about the author:
John Buchbach is 45 years old Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Despite DMD, he has kept busy over the years with business school, and even owning his own business. Nowadays, John still stays busy, but in quite a different way. Actually, both John and his wife stay busy – raising their young son together.
Meaningful Relationships and Duchenne
We all are aware that Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a debilitating genetic condition that affects the muscles, causing progressive weakness and loss of mobility.
Despite this, individuals with DMD are just like anyone else and are capable of having meaningful romantic relationships. Below, we explore some tips for individuals with DMD to build lasting relationships.
Be Honest About Your Condition
One of the most important things to remember is to be honest about your condition. This means being upfront about what DMD is, what it entails, and what you need from a partner. This will help you find someone who is accepting and understanding of your condition and will also prevent any misunderstandings or surprises later on.
Find a Supportive Community
Being part of a supportive community is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for individuals with DMD. This can be a local support group, an online forum, or a group of friends who understand your condition. Having a network of people who understand what you’re going through can provide you with emotional support, advice, and help when building these relationships.
Get Involved in Social Activities
Getting involved in social activities is a great way to meet new people and potentially find a love interest. This could be anything from joining a sports team or club, to volunteering, to attending social events. This will give you an opportunity to interact with people who have similar interests and values, which can increase the chances of finding a compatible partner.
Look for a Partner Who Is Understanding and Supportive
When looking for a partner, it’s important to find someone who is understanding and supportive of your condition. This means finding someone who is willing to help you when you need it, and who is understanding of the challenges you face as a result of your DMD. This will ensure that you have a supportive and loving relationship, even as your condition progresses.
Focus on What You Can Offer
While it’s important to find someone who is understanding and supportive, it’s equally important to focus on what you can offer a potential partner. This means highlighting your strengths and abilities, and being proud of who you are. This will show potential partners that you are a confident and capable individual and will help them see you as more than just someone with DMD.
You Deserve to Be Loved
Having a lasting relationship really is possible for individuals with DMD. By being honest about your condition, finding a supportive community, getting involved in social activities, looking for a supportive partner, and focusing on what you can offer, you can increase your chances of building meaningful relationships.
Remember, you deserve to be loved and valued just as much as anyone else, and with the right support and approach, you can find the happiness and fulfillment you are looking for.