Loved, Not Managed: Dating, Family, and Friendship with a Disability

This episode is one of the most personal and vulnerable I’ve ever recorded. Today, I open up about the complex and often painful experiences of navigating dating, friendships, and family dynamics while living with a disability.I share what it was like to date in high school, why online dating often left me feeling misunderstood, and how the message “I’ll take care of you”—though well-intentioned—never sat right with me. What I want, what many of us want, is to be loved for who we are, not seen as a burden or a project.I also talk candidly about my family—about sibling distance, the unspoken tension between caregiving and favouritism, and the moment I realised my sisters were more supportive than I ever gave them credit for. From Christmas in July traditions to weekend barriers caused by lack of accessible vans, I examine how environment—not just diagnosis—shapes disability.Finally, I highlight the friendships that have carried me through: the women who’ve become like sisters and shown up for me in some of my hardest moments. Their reflections on why our friendship works say more than I ever could.Topics Covered:What dating with a disability taught me about self-worthNavigating sibling resentment and family favouritismWhy accessible transportation changes everythingThe power of long-term, judgment-free friendshipsHow humour, honesty, and asking for what you need creates real connectionKey Message:You deserve to be loved — not managed, not pitied, not fixed. Just loved.Contact and Feedback:Have a story or reflection to share? I’d love to hear it. Reach out via my website or email, and don’t forget to subscribe to Unfiltered Resilience for more honest conversations about life, access, and identity.