You are not in a easy position with this one. I agree that first dates should be like a coffee date or even like a walk in the park just to see if there is a connection. It’s definitely easy on the wallet. You are right that people have preconceived notions about mental health illness.

I also think that dating in your 20s or 30s is very different from 40s and 50s. In addition to the accumulation of lived experiences as people get older, they are clearer about what they want and what they are willing to take on in a relationship. It’s one thing to fall in love with someone, be committed and then be diagnosed with a condition. It’s another to dive in knowing and getting into it. Tough one, for sure!