Online via Zoom
On February 11, Speech-Language Pathologist Anna Nissen facilitated an interactive online panel consisting of four adults who stutter involved in long-term relationships of various types. Panelists openly shared the challenges and successes they encountered in their quests to find a compatible partner through dating Apps and platforms, on-line and in-person, and through friends or family.
The “heart” of dating
Presenting one’s authentic self was at the heart of the discussion. Panelists agreed that honesty and self-disclosure are essential to setting the stage for long-terms relationships based on understanding, acceptance, trust, respect, and support.
Panelists answered questions relating to self-disclosure; the timing of self-disclosure; different ways to disclose stuttering; partners as allies; introducing stuttering to friends and family (including parents); fear, postponement and missed opportunities; dealing with rejection; stepping out of one’s comfort zone; and building self-confidence by focusing on process rather than outcome. The importance of noting and celebrating all successes, big and small, was supported by all.
Thank you…
Thank you to Carolina Ayala, Daniel Allen Cox, Myriam Fauteux and David Marcotte for candidly sharing their personal dating experiences, valuable insights and gained wisdom, and for a stimulating session. Thank you to Anna Nissen for skillfully leading the panel discussion and to audience members for their attentive participation. Anna will be back to facilitate a panel on employment in April.
Register to view!
If you want to hear the specifics of the session, you can register to access the video recording at your convenience. Recordings of past Let’s Talk events are also available for viewing. Let’s Talk events are used to raise funds for the CSA so that it can continue to help persons affected by stuttering and advocating on their behalf. We thank you for your support!