When should you tell a new partner about an underlying illness? Singles weigh in on medical conditions and dating – and what they say might surprise you
- Singles shared honest opinions about dating someone with a medical condition
- Australian relationship expert Louanne Ward asked if it would be a turn-off
- The Perth dating coach also wondered when is the right time to tell a partner
- Most agreed that honesty is the best policy if you want a long-term relationship
Australian singles have revealed their honest opinions about dating someone with a chronic medical condition, and whether it would turn them off a relationship.
The discussion began when dating coach Louanne Ward posted in her Facebook group She Said He Said, asking members when they would like a new partner to tell them about an ongoing health issue and if it would be a dealbreaker.
‘Dating is hard enough let alone when you have a medical challenge,’ the Perth relationship expert wrote.
‘Not only physically and mentally but also emotionally – the loss of confidence or fear of rejection adds to the challenge. Are we tolerant enough about accepting others?
‘At what point would you expect someone to share the information with you, and would it make a difference in your decision to date someone?’
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Perth dating coach Louanne Ward (pictured) asked Australian singles when they would like a partner to tell them about an underlying medical condition
Most agreed that honesty is always the best policy, with many insisting it is best to disclose secrets soon after you meet someone if the condition is going to impact your future relationship.
‘I think the third date is a threshold where you have probably decided to take things further, so it’s important to try and be open with things,’ one woman wrote.
A second said it depends on the gravity of the illness but added: ‘I think honesty from day one is the key to preparing one for longevity that involves such challenges.’
A third who developed severe depression after the death of her adult son and years of abuse from her ex husband said she told her current partner about her past almost immediately.
Most agreed that honesty is always the best policy, with many insisting it is best to disclose secrets soon after you meet someone (stock image)
‘He was very understanding and protective. I think it’s better to be honest and upfront if you value your new relationship. Honesty is the best policy in my opinion,’ she said.
A retired navy officer who hasn’t dated for ‘well over a decade’ said he always made it clear ‘straight away’ that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder from his time at sea.
He said none of his partners had ‘any issue with it at all’.
‘Better upfront in my book than hidden away, but it’s horses for courses in how the individual with the medical issues feels,’ he added.