New Relationships?

[Trish10]

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to get some thoughts regarding forming new realtionships having Lupus. I'm divorced, 42 yo and would like to start entering the dating world again, but I am holding back because of the fear of rejection in telling a potential partner about the lupus. I have even backed away from furthering getting to know a of couple men due to this concern.
Has anyone had experience in telling someone, how did they react, when do you tell?
Any insight, thought, would be appreciated.

[alobreto]

Hi, Trish! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif
When you are in the dating scene, it's best to approach it from a friendship standpoint first and romance after the friendship is formed. I know this is hard in this day and age when many people believe they are SUPPOSED to hop into the sack with every person they date at the earliest possible opportunity, even before they know first and last names.

In any relationship, the best time to impart personal information is when it impacts the relationship. You could say you aren't able to participate in some physical activity because of intermittent joint pain that is a result of having lupus.

To explain lupus I give only basic info such as: lupus is an ailment that causes my immune system to attack my healthy cells. It is largely under control, but sometimes I'm not able to do all the things I'd like.

When explained that way, it doesn't seem like such a scary topic, does it?

Everybody in the world who has lived long enough to be an adult, has something about themselves that they wish they could change, and usually more than one thing! In talking to people, try not to view them as being without imperfections. They aren't perfect. Neither are you. But both of you very likely have some good things to offer.
Angela
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