So we’ve got four books we would like to spotlight. They’re all focused on couples who juggle medical and mental health dynamics in their relationships as they date, along with in the bedroom. They’re also authors who are living it out in their own lives. While each one does have sections talking to the couples, we’re opting to highlight them because they ALSO give actual concrete ways to address several parts to dating and addressing physical intimacy. There are others on the market, these are just a few of our team’s favorites.
IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH by Ben Mattlin.
“Love, disability, and a quest to understand the perils and pleasures of Interabled romance.”
We laughed and cried our way through page after page. So real. So honest. Irreverent at times just when you need it to be, because it mirrors real life, while never disrespectful. Absolutely recommend this to everyone. Seriously, this is a don’t miss book.
THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSON IN LOVE by Elaine Aron, Ph.D.
“Understanding and managing relationships when the world overwhelms you. From low-stress fighting to sensitive sexuality, the book offers you a wealth of practical advice on making the most out of those personality combinations.”
This is a deep read, and not a skim over & through one for sure. But if you’re in this people group, or in a relationship with one, this makes sense to pick up. You’ll feel better equipped, if not, a bit more self-confident. That right there is a gift.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SEX and DISABILITY By Miriam Kaufman, M.D., Cory Silverberg, and Fran Odette
“For all of us who live with disabilities, chronic pain & illness. This detailed guide answers questions that the nondisabled can’t imagine… The overall message: There is no ‘right way’ to have sex. Individuals need to discover what ‘sex’ is for them, and give themselves permission to consider anything as a sexual experience.”
They don’t leave anything out. We like that. They don’t declare something is THE WAY to do it. We like that too. They give practical examples of how to step over hurdles when one example doesn’t work in such a way, that it encourages and convinces you to shrug that one off and move on to the next idea.
DATING WHILE DISABLED By Christy Goldstein
“A dating and advice book for people with an illness and, or, disability.”
This is a quick read, by an author who not only lives it out, but has taken her experiences and uses them as a platform to come alongside the rest of the world as half cheerleader and half coach. Again, we’re spot-lighting it, because of all the how-to’s she’s included. From conversation cues, to date ideas on a budget. She’s our kind of super hero.
