Whenever I meet new people I show them the real me. That is, what I can do, where I come from, etc. It is only after I have come to know them for a while and they have liked me enough to stay in my life that I let them know I have epilepsy. For most it isn't an issue, especially since I have well controlled seizures and I have no side-effects. My circumstance is also such that the field I am training, which is health and human services, gives people reason to see me as a person who understands those who I care for because i have been in that circumstance myself. I have also overcome my condition, controlling it rather than letting it control me. There have been several times where people come up to me because I show that I care and I don't condescend on those who need my help. Show people the real you. Epilepsy isn't who you are. It is only a minor part of your life that isn't as important as your positive attributes.

Also, there are people with epilepsy who get together for dates who understand each other and can relate better because of their commonalities.

I  never told prespecive dates I had epilepsy and that led to lots of disasters.  Most promimently no second date.

 I lucked out and found a guy who didn't bat an eye when I had a seizure on our first date...was comforting, caring, considerate (turns out his best friend had epilepsy) and I thought "This one is a keeper!"  Next week is our 30th wedding anniversary.

But I've got to tell you, I kissed a lot of frogs before I met my Prince.  And I figured, f they couldn't handle my epilepsy, they probably couldn't handle many other things as well.

 I think you have to get more comfortable in your own skin.  If you're skitterish about having epilepy and ashamed, how do you think they will feel?

 I met my husband at work.  Are there any live support groups around there?  An Epilepsy Foundation that has events?   I think if you project an air of comfidence, it will happen.   Honestly...

Phylis Feiner Johnson www.epilepsytalk.comlash