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Dating, Relationships, and DisabilityAuthor: Kathy O'Connell
We offer strategies, encouragement, and mindset tips on dating with a disability. We talk about how to navigate sexual ableism, focus on your power to attract, and develop happy and healthy relationships. Language: en Genres: Education, Relationships, Self-Improvement, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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237 - Making Friends as an Adult: Why It's Hard and How Friending Helps
Monday, 6 April, 2026
Friending App: Combating Loneliness Through Authentic Connections Gabor Kadas, founder of Friending Inc., appeared on the "Dating, Relationships and Disability" podcast to discuss his innovative friendship-focused app launching in March 2026. The app addresses a critical social issue: 50-60 million Americans report feeling lonely. Key Features: Friending differs fundamentally from dating apps by emphasizing verified, in-person connections. Every user must verify their identity through Persona using government-issued ID, eliminating fake profiles and bots. The app limits users to 10 messages before requiring face-to-face meetings with people within 50 miles, forcing genuine connections rather than endless online chatting. Safety features include an emergency response system where users can tap their screen three times to alert police, notify a friend, or send push notifications to nearby Friending users if they feel uncomfortable during meetups. Beyond the App: Friending extends into physical products, including branded coffee with QR codes for personal messages, and "Are You In?" activity cards launching later in 2026. These encourage offline activities and shared experiences. Disability Inclusion: When asked about accessibility for people with disabilities, Kadas acknowledged that loneliness affects everyone over 28, regardless of disability status. The app allows users to create custom activity cards tailored to their abilities and accessibility needs. Users can specify wheelchair-accessible locations or activities suited to limited mobility. Kadas invited suggestions via podcast@friending.com to better serve the disability community. COVID's Impact: The app addresses post-pandemic isolation, particularly for those working from home who lost daily social interactions. Kadas emphasized that loneliness affects both mental and physical health, costing the economy $150 billion in reduced productivity. Availability: Currently iOS-only, with Android and web versions planned for later in 2026. The web version will improve accessibility for users with disabilities. Download at Friending.com or the App Store. The Five Stages of Dating Success curriculum will be released April 15, 2026. The presale price is just $97 (you save $78). Get it here. Check out coaching in dating and relationships with me to get the support and relationships you want. Take our Dating Success quiz. Music by Successful Motivation Artwork photo by Elevate
