Dating with arthritis is possible - and it can be fun.

Dating is complicated for everyone, but it can feel particularly challenging when you live with a chronic illness like arthritis. You may have lots of questions, like when you should tell a new partner about your diagnosis and how open you should be about your limitations. Luckily, plenty of people with arthritis and other chronic illnesses have blazed these trails before, and there's plenty of advice if you look for it. There are even specialized dating websites where you can meet people living with chronic illness. Let's look at a few of the top dating tips for people with arthritis.

Manage your disclosure carefully

If you're going to be in a relationship with someone, he or she will inevitably come to learn of your arthritis. You can choose when you make this information known and how. There's no hard and fast rule for when you need to disclose. Some people let it come up naturally, perhaps when they take their arthritis medications after dinner and get questions about what they're for. Others prefer to let potential partners know before the first date, so that if there are any problems it won't feel awkward or upsetting to have to cut an evening short.

Consider what makes you most comfortable in terms of telling potential partners about your arthritis. If you make a decision before the situation actually arises, you'll feel more comfortable and able to act in accord with your boundaries and values.

Understand what you need - and what you offer

Arthritis pain and arthritis treatment can both impose limitations on you. For example, you may not be able to have a relationship with someone whose idea of a great date is rock climbing, or you may have conflicting schedules if you have a lot of medical appointments to keep. These are important kinds of things to keep in mind when you're dating, as they can impact your relationships. Also be clear, both to yourself and to potential partners, about what you need in a relationship. This is good advice for everyone, but it pays to be especially conscious about it when you're dating with a chronic illness.

However, thinking only in terms of limits and what you can't do in a relationship is unproductive and depressing. Remember to give yourself credit for what you can offer a partner. Are you a great listener, or do you plan the most interesting dates? Can you cook like no one else? You have a world of traits outside your arthritis, and it's important to keep them in mind when you're exploring the possibility of a relationship.

Though it may add a few complications, dating with arthritis is possible. You can enjoy companionship, intimacy and love just like anyone else.

For more on managing relationships and arthritis:

You and Your Relationships: A Positive Perspective on Negative People
Chronic Communication at Home: Talking about Sex
Looking for a Partner? How About Falling in Love with Yourself First?