Excellent article. I think this is a great idea. As the saying goes "Misery loves company" so why not put a positive turn to it. I'm bi-polar and I have HIV. Unless one suffers from an issue, it's difficult to find true compassion. Lots of luck to all out there who are looking for love and companionship!

Very good article.

I also want to add that those Rose-Colored glasses comments cuts both ways. If you're in a relationship and then diagnosed with a condition, or you are just revealing the condition to your SO, it is very easy for that person to overlook your condition and see you as they are, healthy with no long term chronic illnesses. People with chronic illnesses get very good at hiding that illness from the rest of the world. It is in part what is expected of people with chronic conditions and it also protects those people during daily interactions in society. When it starts to set in with your partner that you will never be "normal" that outlook can have a nasty turn on the relationship. I think that's something the psychologist in the article should have also had to confront as a question.

I'm going to go out on a limb, but I'm willing to be the answer would be, "Yes, that happens too."

I had all the symptoms of Crohn's disease from the time I was 18, and a strong family history in it, so it was important that the person who I married understood that risk. When I was dating, that was a big part of the discussion whenever things started getting serious. I finally couldn't take the misery anymore and was officially diagnosed with the disease when I was 23--and so sick I couldn't get up by myself--from which I learned there is stubborn self-reliance and then there is being a jacka$$. Lucky for me, I had married a nurse who was a little pushy.

I think pairing people who have a disease is great for a friendship, but it would be better to pair them with health professionals, who could understand the misery and be supportive as needed. I don't mean people should marry a doctor/nurse to get free care, but it's nice to know that when I tell my spouse "I need to use a bathroom." we will stop immediately, or if I am having a flare-up, I don't have to explain that the prescription steroids that treat flare-ups will make me crazy, and sleepless, and gain weight, and overheated. It is a good idea to know what you're getting into, and nurses are pretty good at gauging what they can handle, and it must not be too bad an idea....my brother who also has Crohn's is also married to a nurse. =)

What about the genetics of these diseases? Creating couples who have the same health problems may well contribute to a rise in the incidence of these diseases as they create children with a much higher risk (or even a certainty) of having the disease.

The children suffer, and society carries the burden of rising health care costs.

I think its a good idea. Especially for the communicable diseases. Aids, herpes. Wouldnt that be a stress reliever to be with someone who already has what you have? I mean, Im just sayin.

This is a good idea - have you heard the cruel and hideous "jokes" that so-called comedians tell in reference to various STD's?

They are so insensitive to what those people are going through.

People with HIV have been at this for the last 20 years....it's really nothing new.

BTW tojois, AIDS is not a communicable disease. HIV is, but not AIDS. AIDS is a number of specific opportunistic infections that arise in the context of a compromised immune system. HIV is the virus. Actually HIV is not even considered an STD but rather a blood-borne disease, but I digress.

There is a community of people already available - for a lifetime verification fee of $2.00 you can be at www.friends4disabled.com. In this place you can alleviate your loneliness in a safe environment where everyone has problems or knows people who have problems. I have a very serious condition and I had more dating problems than anyone. How do you explain to people? And they run after finding out. I kept dating until I found someone suitable to myself, who didn't run, because he had his own different issues. You don't have to date someone with the same problem unless it is a fatal transmissable condition. At the end of the day if you can find friends you may also find your perfect match. You're right,he/she probably isn't a "normal".

Well makes sense I guess. The downside of this is where genetic conditions are at play. Chances of defective offspring can be much higher in some conditions. Genetic counseling would be required.

Just be careful, no body can protect you but yoursel...and most of people are hiding theirs within them but will share with you through the other ways as well...especially for married people, no adultry, be faithful to your families...then you will be all right...or get high, get druck, get stupid and get AIDS...if we don't F### around, you will away from AIDS...follow the old golden rules...Bible said: Don't commit to Adultry!!!

Hmmm? In some cases, isn't this like playing genetic Russian Roulette? Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of good intention here. But as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Other special interest dating sites have sprung up based on mutual health issues, especially STDs.

I guess I'm giving my age when I say that this only reminds me of Monty Python's 'Medical Love Song'.

Let us all relax; and help rebuid the "Island of Doctor Moreau". He created genetic mutations; so why not have a place where all of these people (that want to) can live and mingle, and do whatever they wish to in their own country. Make it an option to go. I don't see medicine curing and preventing many of these diseases any more as they did in the 40's, 50's and sixties. No $$$ for research too many taxes huh?

I bet a couple with tourrettes would be a pleasure to sit next too when you go out to dinner. I don't mean to sound like I'm making fun of them but if both have it how would the spouse be able to help control the situation if things got bad??

L O L this reminds me of the movie fight club in which the main character joins a series of support groups...ha ha it may work

This doesn't soud a whole lot different from divorcees with children hooking up with divorcees with children....

"Web sites aim to pair those with cancer, herpes, even liberalism"

I think this is a great idea. Many or most of the diseases cited in the article aren't genetic, and anyone with a genetic disease is already (or should be) aware of the risk of passing it on to their offspring, so I do not think that needs to be a big concern. Obviously, simply sharing a disease is not enough to form a relationship, but it can help people avoid the pain of ignorance or rejection by new dates. In the case of transmissible diseases, it might possibly reduce the risk of spreading infection by eliminating the need to hide or lie about the disease. It's out there, in the open, from the start.

crazy sounding but makes alot of sense in some ways.

this poses a promising situation for me. i've avoided relationships for many year, having not wanted to burden anyone after losing two marriages to unwilling partners unwilling to learn or understand. i've learned when the going gets tough, my others just leave. i've never imposed any hardship upon them or anyone

else. i've always born my own burdens. this is the first place i've aired my situation. i think i will keep to myself cause the rejection is just to great to bear again.

i just dont think i could go through it again.

I would say that Psychological compatibility is more important than suffering from the same physical illnesses. Someone who is depressed needs someone that can perk them up. Likewise, a person with too much ADHD might need another to ground them and help organize their life a bit more. You get my point. I am in pain all the time. I don't want to be around someone who reminds me of pain period. I would rather find someone who is healthy who might be fascinated with my pain or simply enjoy the challenge of getting me better. Hard to say if that person exists, but you get my point, right?