I went to shake my date’s hand – her reaction left me speechless
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Sat at the end of my bed, I carefully buttoned up my blue striped shirt, pulled on my ‘nice jeans’ and applied some aftershave. First-date nerves were kicking in but I was positive, and ready to rock and roll. Anna* and I matched on Tinder and spoke for a week before deciding to meet. It’d gone well thus far – our conversation bounced from family to food with ease and conviction. Therefore, I felt comfortable enough after a few days to tell her I was disabled.
![[Myles Pearson: SHDIG: My date patted my head and called me inspirational for being a Paralympian Myles Pearson]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SEI_219791804-b675-e1735647275675.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
I told her of my sporting exploits, and how I’d played for Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby. She said there wasn’t a problem and asked about my disability. I explained about my condition, arthrogryposis, and how it meant my joints were bent and my voice was husky.
![[Myles Pearson: SHDIG: My date patted my head and called me inspirational for being a Paralympian Myles Pearson]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SEI_219791813-e1725360785226.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
However, I ensured she knew that I was still completely independent – I just looked and sounded slightly different. Things were heading in the right direction, so I suggested dinner, and a date was set. Normally, I’m an Italian kinda guy, but on this occasion, I thought I’d try something different. We settled on Chinese and, as I drove towards disaster, I can’t explain how confident I felt.
![[Myles Pearson: SHDIG: My date patted my head and called me inspirational for being a Paralympian Myles Pearson]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SEI_219791818-346b-e1725368796331.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
As a former wheelchair rugby Paralympian for Great Britain, I’m used to being ready for anything. But, honestly, nothing could have prepared me for the night’s soiree. Love reading juicy stories like this? Need some tips for how to spice things up in the bedroom?.
![[Myles Pearson: SHDIG: My date patted my head and called me inspirational for being a Paralympian Myles Pearson]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SEI_219791800-935c.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
