5 Ways to Navigate Dating With Down Syndrome

Entering the dating world can be a nerve-wracking process for anyone. It can be especially difficult for people with down syndrome.

It’s scary to put yourself out there, but it’s definitely a risk worth taking.

Love is not only a great feeling, it’s scientifically proven to improve your overall happiness.

It’s time to get out there and meet people! Here’s our intro to the world of dating with down syndrome.

How to Master Dating with Down Syndrome

Ready to get started?

1. Set Your Own Pace

When you first start dating with down syndrome, it can be hard to know how fast to go. You might wonder:

  • How well should you get to know someone before asking them out?
  • When can you start holding hands?
  • How soon is too soon for your first kiss?

Unfortunately, there are no objective answers to these questions. They all depend on how fast you and your date want to go.

If you’re unsure or new to dating, it’s a good idea to start slow. That will keep you from rushing into a relationship before you’re ready.

It’s also important to respect your date’s pace, too.

2. Choose Something Active to Do

A date doesn’t have to take place in a candlelit restaurant or trendy bistro. You can schedule a fun activity instead.

It’s often easier to get to know someone on an active date. There’s less pressure on you to make conversation. Instead, you and your date can focus on the activity and let the conversation flow naturally.

Pick an activity that lines up with your interests. Bowling, miniature golf, hiking, or dancing could all make for an unforgettable date night.

3. Make it a Double Date

Double dates are a great way to get to know someone in a low-pressure setting. The other couple can pick up the conversation at any low points and give you and your date something else to focus on.

Plus, you can plan a bigger group activity to enjoy.

4. Keep Trying

Eventually, you may hear a “no” when you ask someone out on a date. It can hurt to hear a rejection, but it happens to all of us.

It’s important not to let one “no” stop you from dating.

With the right attitude, you can turn that rejection into motivation to keep searching for your soulmate.

5. Make Your Own Choices

If your friends and family members have a tendency to be overprotective of you, they might not like the idea of you dating.

While that’s perfectly normal — and coming from a place of love — you need to remember that you deserve love and romance, too.

If you’re ready to start dating, be firm about it when you let your family know.

You can offer to let them chaperone if they’re worried, just as long as they let you and your date enjoy the activities you have planned.

Get More Dating Advice from Special Bridge

Need more dating advice before scheduling your first night out? Check out Special Bridge today!


24 comments:

  1. nascar1

    November 12, 2017 at 10:45 pm

    Hi. My name is Ken and I definitely feel alot more confident, assertive, feeling less pressured and less worried about how the other person will judge me as, or, to be more general about it, being too judgemental and being overly materialistic about any and all the flaws and weaknesses and faults about someone, instead of placing more thought on who they are instead of what they are and what these turnoffs are. Nobody’s perfect so don’t expect the days to be bright and superwhite and the nights totally dark. try being accepting of that significant other and maybe this idea of thinking will open up more doors to a life of spontaneous dating, which can lead to more than just holding hands. Maybe a way bigger picture of a close relationship!

    Reply
  2. Jillian may vicic

    August 12, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    Hi I’m Jillian and I need a date with disability with Down syndrome and I’m looking for a guy to date so please I am depressed so thank you for being my best time
    Yours Jillian from Joliet Illinois

    Reply
    • Johnny

      April 3, 2019 at 2:35 pm

      Hi Jillian, I’m Johnny and I would like to email you because I’m in California.

      Reply
  3. Andy Wagner

    January 1, 2019 at 5:30 pm

    I need a girlfriend

    Reply
    • Emily Anne Ledger

      August 14, 2020 at 6:47 pm

      hi Andy i am also down syndrome myself you not a alone

      Reply
  4. Richard

    August 10, 2019 at 8:27 am

    I am looking for some one around 35 to 40 year ild good looks happy person fo on date abd have lots of fun like cinema bowling pubs night out

    Reply
  5. Kristen

    August 28, 2019 at 12:39 am

    Nice smile change my life is happy
    Church time be friends forever
    Time together forever and friend every day great friend forever want best boyfriend and girlfriend
    Nice everybody

    Reply
  6. Alex Ciaravino

    August 29, 2019 at 6:37 pm

    I’m interested of downsydormes friends I like text them and call them

    Reply
    • Emily Anne Ledger

      August 14, 2020 at 6:39 pm

      hi Alex

      Reply
  7. Matthew

    September 16, 2019 at 5:42 pm

    My name is Matthew I am looking for a girl that’s from England our Italy austrila I like to go bowling and gamble I like girls with Down syndrome I also like chineese girls I am 33 I live in galveston county I have my own cake co i cook a lot of internal foods like fried rice pasta and sea food like shrimp and fish

    Reply
  8. Flordelis Zorrilla

    September 19, 2019 at 6:36 pm

    I need a boyfriend

    Reply
    • joey schoeffler

      December 29, 2019 at 9:48 am

      i i’m looking for someone sweet and kind for long term relationship i i’m you can coll me at 918.783.5340

      Reply
    • joey schoeffler

      May 9, 2020 at 7:44 pm

      i.m joseph looking for a good girl in my life and date

      Reply
  9. Josh

    March 25, 2020 at 9:57 pm

    I learned a lot of a little down syndrome.

    Reply
  10. joey schoeffler

    May 9, 2020 at 7:40 pm

    hello how are you today

    Reply
    • Teresa

      May 24, 2020 at 11:55 pm

      I. Am. Fine what. Is. Your. Number

      Reply
    • Teresa

      May 24, 2020 at 11:55 pm

      What. Is. Your number

      Reply
  11. Jack

    November 14, 2020 at 4:27 pm

    I am an active, kind, sweet young man with Down Syndrome that would like a friend and then a girlfriend. I am 25 years old.

    Reply
  12. Thomas

    January 3, 2021 at 12:48 am

    Hello. Looking for girlfriend

    Reply
  13. Douglas Broderick

    January 11, 2021 at 10:55 pm

    I am looking for a girlfriend with a Down syndrome who wants to date me and talk and have a conversation and drink a cup of tea or coffee and go for a walk if you are that special someone you are easy to know that I am an interesting guy who would like to get to know you and have a date with you and meet with you

    Reply
  14. Joseph

    February 4, 2021 at 10:22 pm

    I am alone for a long time and I need some one as a friend first then date

    Reply
  15. KASSIE

    March 20, 2022 at 9:42 pm

    Hi im not a down syndrome young lady but im a developmental delay looking for good friends and hope to have a relationship someday. I need good friends its not easy to feel alone and not find someone to be able to talk to, its hard.

    Reply
  16. Joey. Valdez

    May 6, 2023 at 11:12 pm

    I. .am. looking. .for. .a. girlfriend

    Reply
  17. Joey Koupal

    November 26, 2023 at 2:13 pm

    My name is Joey. I am 38 years old, I am a man with Down Syndrome. I am looking for a companion, a date, a girlfriend. I am loyal, happy, love family and music. I love bowling and dancing, and good food! You can email my cousin to contact me Allegra.Koupal@gmail.com

    Reply

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