Deaf Dating Myths

Let’s talk about Deaf dating.

Specifically, let’s talk about the things people think Deaf dating is like… versus what it’s actually like.

Because if we had £1 for every myth we’ve heard, we’d all be dating on a beach somewhere by now.

So here it is. No lectures. No jargon. Just real talk.

Myth 1: Deaf people only date other Deaf people

Ah yes. The imaginary rulebook.

Reality check: Deaf people date whoever they want.

Deaf. Hearing. BSL users. Non-signers. People learning. People not learning yet.

There is no secret Deaf dating club.

Like anyone else, Deaf people choose partners based on connection, values, attraction, humour, kindness… not hearing status.

Myth 2: You must be fluent in BSL to date a Deaf person

This one scares people off before they even try.

Here’s the truth: effort matters more than perfection.

Yes, British Sign Language is important. Yes, learning it is amazing.

But you don’t need flawless signing to start dating a Deaf person.

What matters is the willingness to communicate and being open to different ways of connecting.

Messy signing with good intentions beats perfect silence every time.

Myth 3: Deaf people can’t use dating apps

This myth is… wild.

Deaf people use dating apps just like everyone else. Swipe. Match. Message. Unmatch. Repeat.

Most Deaf users simply mention their communication preferences in their profile.

Some prefer text.

Some video.

Some BSL clips.

Some all of the above.

Dating apps aren’t the problem. Assumptions are.

Myth 4: Interpreters go on the date

This one needs to disappear immediately.

No.

Absolutely not.

Never.

Interpreters are for appointments, meetings, legal matters, healthcare.

Not dinner dates. Not first kisses. Not awkward silences over dessert.

Dating is personal.

Myth 5: Dating a Deaf person is “hard work”.

This one usually isn’t said out loud, but it’s definitely thought. The truth is, dating a Deaf person isn’t any harder than dating anyone else.

What is hard work is poor communication, low effort, and a lack of respect. Deafness isn’t the challenge: unwillingness to adapt is.

When both people are open, curious, and willing to meet each other halfway, things tend to work just fine ❤️

So… what is Deaf dating actually like?

Here’s the boring but beautiful truth: Dating a Deaf person is just dating.

It’s communication, mutual respect, learning how someone prefers to connect, shared values, and effort from both sides.

The only real difference is that communication might look different. And different doesn’t mean difficult.

Deaf dating is human, and once we stop projecting myths onto Deaf people’s relationships, we make space for real connection instead.