I feel like I can't find a partner since I have a sibling with a disability
I hope this is the right place to talk about this but I thought for years that I didn't have a love life because I wasn't "interested"/ couldn't find anyone I liked/or was just too insecure.
I recently realised it's much more than that. I've been feeling a sense of dread and being like a burden to the person I want to potentially have a relationship with (generally just felt like a burden growing up because I didn't want my parents to worry about me on top of my disabled brother). I feel like me and my brother will become baggage for my partner. Also feeling like they wouldn't be able to handle the stuff that comes with me if I reveal my situation.
My mum says I'm that thinking too far ahead and that I don't have to tell personal details like my family life and just date casually. How could I? For me, I would have a hard time connecting with someone if I don't know something as simple as someone's family... idk... I'm a sentimental person that wants a nice connection. It feels like I'm hiding important info and trapping the other person or something. I can't really articulate exactly how I feel.
Hearing the "Someone will accept you and your brother", "there's someone out there who will understand you" just feels hopeless for me too. I don't like hearing it.
My closest friends are amazing but I feel like a negative slob when I talk about my struggles in this area (so I don't). I feel like if I do, I'm putting them in a situation where they have to tip toe around me. Again feeling like a burden. They say I'm not but I love them too much for me to put this issue I'm having onto them.
I'm super jealous of my friends having fun light hearted dating experiences. They get to just focus on their selves and their future.
Does anyone else feel this way? How have you guys processed this feeling. I don't have anyone to talk about this with.
Posted Apr 6, 2026, 1:26 PM UTC