#disclosed

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alexander Butterfield, the White House aide who inadvertently hastened Richard Nixon’s resignation over the Watergate scandal when he revealed that the president had bugged the Oval Office and Cabinet Room and routinely recorded his conversations, has died. He was 99. His death was confirmed to The Associated Press by his wife, Kim, and John Dean, who served as White House…

AIO- Should I have disclosed that I’m Deaf earlier?

For context, we exchanged about ten messages and things were going well. Easy conversation, mutual interest, and we even made plans to meet for coffee. Before the date, I made a decision that felt important to me. I told her that I am Deaf. My intention was not to overshare or make it a big thing. I just did not want to catch someone off guard in person or put either of us in an uncomfortable situation. To me, being upfront felt respectful and honest.

Unfortunately, that honesty backfired. After I shared that I am Deaf, the energy completely shifted and the connection pretty much ended before we ever met. That part stung. Not because anyone owes me a date, but because it was a reminder of how quickly people can make assumptions based on one piece of information.

Being Deaf is just one aspect of who I am. It does not define my personality, my values, my humor, or my ability to connect with someone. I communicate, I adapt, and I navigate the world every day just fine. Still, moments like this make it clear that some people see disability before they see the person.

I am sharing this not to shame anyone or play the victim, but because it highlights a reality that does not get talked about much in dating. There are probably a lot of things people have not disclosed yet on either side, and that is kind of the point of going on a date. You learn those things by showing up, having coffee, and seeing if there is chemistry.

I still believe being honest upfront was the right choice. I would rather lose a potential date than start something by hiding part of myself. It just sucks sometimes when doing the right thing comes with a quiet rejection and no real conversation attached to it.

If nothing else, it was a reminder that the right people will not see accessibility as a deal breaker but as a normal part of being human.

Reddit consensus: MIXED (no clear verdict)

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