248 - Six Actions When You're Actively Dating
Stage 4 (Active Dating) of her "5 Stages to Dating Success" framework. It's a tactical, mini-workshop style episode pulling content from her curriculum aimed at professionals in the disability field.
6 Key Skills for Active Dating
- Platform Engagement & Match Interaction — actively using apps or attending in-person events, following up with interested people
- Active Social Participation — attending events to build social skills and networks, not just to find a partner
- Leveraging Friend & Family Networks — asking 3 people in your life if they know potential matches; planting the seed pays off over time
- Reflection & Documentation — tracking what's working and what isn't, treating each experience as data
- Celebrating Progress & Self-Compassion — recognizing small wins; being kind to yourself when things go wrong
- Maintaining Authenticity — showing up as yourself, disclosing disability comfortably, requesting accommodations without apology
Milestones to Watch For
- Consistent presence on dating apps (at least 6 months before switching)
- Feeling authentically represented in profiles and conversations
- Navigating accessibility needs confidently and clearly
- Recovering resiliently from rejection and disappointment
- Maintaining clear boundaries and personal standards
- Continuously learning and refining your approach
Action Items
- Commit 30 minutes daily to dating-related activity
- Rotate weekly focus areas: apps, social events, network outreach
- Check in regularly with a small dating support network (1–3 trusted people)
- Review conversations — note what energizes you and prep new topics
🔗 Links Mentioned in the Podcast
Kathy mentions show notes links for:
-
Five Stages of Dating Success curriculum for professionals in the disability field
-
A survey for feedback on an upcoming playbook covering all 5 stages (skills, milestones, and action items)
And share it with anyone in your life who might have a story to tell! 💙
Check out coaching in dating and relationships with me to get the support and relationships you want.
Take our Dating Success quiz.
Music by Successful Motivation
Artwork photo by Elevate
