I've been with my boyfriend for almost 10 years now and have had RSD for about 4 years. We live together and I feel terribly lucky to have had him with me through all of this. I can't really imagine what it would be like to START a relationship when you have RSD...but being in one has been one of my many motivations to push myself to get better treatment and get my life back. My boyfriend has been incredibly supportive and helped me keep focus when it would have been so easy to give up (as it often is when things get really bad).

I've never done it myself...but have you considered the option of online dating? If I wasn't with some one then that's probably what I would do. Traditional dating scenes are not and never were my thing. Getting to know someone online, over the phone, and then setting up dates at time that work for you instead of being locked into the idea of night time dates would probably be the best way to try and work things out...if it were me. Everyone's different though...so if dating is something that you want to try and do then figure out what you are most comfortable with. Even just getting out and socializing with a club/church group or with some friends or volunteering to help at a charity event or something (whatever interests you) could be good for you and who knows...you could meet someone that way too.

I can tell you that when my boyfriend touches me I can tolerate it better than most other things. He's very gentle and conscious of things that flare up my pain as well. He never pushes when I have a bad day or don't feel up to something...whether that's in regard to touching or going out and doing things. We live a pretty quiet life and don't tend to go out that often actually...but it's easier at home with just the two of us (plus the dog). Usually we would rather stay in and watch movies than go out to the theater (it's so darn expensive anyway) and since going on the 4 Fs diet it's usually easier to cook at home as well.

Good luck to you.