Blind People Explain Which Features They Find The Most Physically Attractive In A Partner
For those of us who are not blind, imagining all the daily elements of romantic life can be quite difficult.
In fact, we can't even imagine what the absence of sight feels like, let alone how that interacts with attraction, spontaneous physical intimacy, and, of course, turn-offs.
Thankfully, an inquisitive Redditor came along to help us stay enlightened.
Redditor Brucehasabeard asked:
"Blind people of reddit, what do you find physically attractive in a partner?"
Many blind folks discussed the scent that may not surprise us to hear is so important to romance: touch. But their detailed, nuanced understanding of that sense is illuminating.
Tactile
"For me it's about, for lack of better description, textures, how does he feel? Is he firm? Fuzzy? Does he mind being touched in such an intense way? Personality is more important but OP stressed physical."
A Higher Priority On Conditioning
"My blind cousin had a bit in her vows to her husband about how great his 'silky long hair' felt, so I bet that's a big deal for some blind ladies."
-- Uskonbwu
"More to Explore"
"A blind friend of mine really likes big girls. He says that physically having more to explore with your hands is great."
"I can imagine underweight people feeling pretty poor to the touch."
"Feel"
"Not blind but I have a few blind friends I'm close to, their general consensus is the feel of the person... if that makes sense."
"It's a case of physical touch such as the state of your skin, your build and so on. But also stuff like your default tone of voice and much like anyone they look at the personality."
-- JustNoxus
Others gave more focus to the other senses. Sound and smell can be important too.
Unique, If You're Listening
"As legally blind I enjoy voices of people, helps me remember them better too." -- Cursed_Salad97
"As not legally blind but wearing glasses, I agree, a voice can really make someone more attractive to me. If I'm going to be talking with this person I want their voice to be pleasant." -- Apellosine
Transportive Stenches
"This might sound creepy, but their smell. Recently split up and the smell is something I so vividly crave in my mind. I have this also with my family members, my grandma passed away 5(?) years ago, but I still know exactly her smell and sometimes it makes me sad, but also feel good."
"Second comes how physically soft hugs and embraces feel, if you feel in a very soft and warm place and at the same time feel so very safe."
-- siohtuan
Sound and Smell
"I am legally blind. I'm not really good at recognizing faces but definitely I love listening to people's voices and catching anything that is unique about them. Like accents, stuttering, if it sounds nasally or raspy. Little things like that can help me identify a person so much quicker. I'm not %100 blind but I use adaptive tools like speech-to-text and text-to-speech."
"You know when there is an interview on TV and that person wants to stay anonymous? You know how they blur out their faces? That's how everybody looks like to me. Unless I get very uncomfortably close I cannot identify your face so definitely voices hope so much. You also cannot go wrong with scent."
"I can also tell a person apart by the cologne or perfume they wear."
-- Imamuffinz
And finally, others talked about the thing that matters to just about anybody out here looking for romance: what is the essence of the other person.
Above All
"My preference in order of what I find attractive goes like this, I am not speaking for all blind people this is my own experience. Personality, voice and body type. looks don't generally matter to me, and I prefer thicker people."
"All of these preferences don't have to aline right to make someone attractive to me though, like you can have a slightly less attractive voice and have a kicka** personality,. Basicly when it comes down to what's most important to me is personality."
"I am not to big on smells, not saying that I am down for someone who smells not good, but alot of people tend to layer smells, and I am one for the more human smell of people."
Felt Warmth
"Her voice, her heart, her touch, the way she talks to me, the way she is responding to me, and she is loving, compassionate, sweet, kind, respectful, and she wants to be my friend."
"I love how she includes me in activities with our friends, and she is not making light of my blindness."
"I never felt this kind of love before. Ever."
-- c_dawg93
Outsourcing
"I have to like someone's personality. And I ask my friends if the person is good looking—yes blind people do that. I'm short so I prefer people who are tall."
So there you have it, just in case you ever wondered exactly what's going on in the heads of a blind people flirting, necking, or full on making out in public.
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LEGO Introduces New Bricks To Help Visually Impaired Children Learn Braille, And They're Already A Hit
LEGO is making strides towards educational and not just imagination-driven toys.
LEGO started in August of 1932 in Billund, Denmark. The original name was "leg godt" which translates to "play well."
According to their website, it is what LEGO strives for in name and mission.
Once again LEGO is working toward making toys for everyone. Recently they released a video of their newest product: LEGOs that help teach braille.
The video, found below, shows students playing with the blocks. This is a perfect demonstration of how LEGO strives to include everyone in their play sets.
We’re super excited to introduce LEGO Braille Bricks – a new product from @TheLegoFoundation that will help blind a… https://t.co/zqSEWlvoof— LEGO (@LEGO) 1556114461
The Danish Association of the Blind suggested this to LEGO back in 2011. Brazil-based Dorina Nowill Foundation for the Blind suggested them again in 2017.
LEGO worked on sets with both foundations as well as two British charities and a Norweigan one.
The set will be made up of 250 bricks covering the complete Braille alphabet, numbers from zero to nine, and math symbols.
It will also include:
"inspiration for teaching and interactive games."
The Braille Bricks are currently undergoing testing in Portuguese, Danish, English and Norwegian schools with plans for testing of French, Spanish and German versions later in the year.
Treasurer of the European Blind Union, Philippe Chazal, said:
"With thousands of audiobooks and computer programs now available, fewer kids are learning to read Braille. This is particularly critical when we know that Braille users often are more independent, have a higher level of education and better employment opportunities."
"We strongly believe Lego Braille Bricks can help boost the level of interest in learning Braille, so we're thrilled that the Lego Foundation is making it possible to further this concept and bring it to children around the world."
The feedback on the video has been largely positive.
@LEGO_Group LEGO and Braille are such a natural match— Jérôme Beaulieu (@Jérôme Beaulieu) 1556115441
@LEGO_Group You're, strengthening the respect I feel for you as a prime example of a company with every thing you d… https://t.co/6339QjImwO— TimoTweets (@TimoTweets) 1556117530
@LEGO_Group https://t.co/EzStqeYnjY— Stephano and the Samas (@Stephano and the Samas) 1556118891
@LEGO_Group This is the coolest thing!! Can’t wait to get our hands on them, they’d go great with so many of our… https://t.co/5JbI3IzFpb— DOTS RPG Project (@DOTS RPG Project) 1556126835
One teacher even shared photos of students learning braille.
This combination seems perfect for all LEGO fans.
@LEGO_Group I am a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and had a struggling #Braille reader in Kindergarten… https://t.co/VYp8ZurJxQ— Leslie Edmonds (@Leslie Edmonds) 1556121015
Morten Bond is the senior art director for the Lego Group. Bond is losing his eyesight due to a genetic eye disorder.
He said:
"Experiencing reactions from both students and teachers to Lego Braille Bricks has been hugely inspirational and reminded me that the only limitations I will meet in life are those I create in my mind."
He continued, adding:
"I am moved to see the impact this product has on developing blind and visually impaired children's academic confidence and curiosity already in its infant days."
This is an amazing idea that will allow blind and visually impaired students a more interactive way to learn and give them the independence that they may have missed out on otherwise.
This Adorable 'Seeing Eye' Puppy Who Helps His Blind Canine Friend 'See' Is Taking Over Instagram
An eleven-year-old golden retriever named Charlie lost his eyesight due to glaucoma, but a new friend is giving him a renewed leash on life and helping him look on the bright side.
Charlie's owners Adam and Chelsea Stipe from Mooresville, North Carolina, made the difficult decision to have his left eye removed in 2016 due to the pain caused by the glaucoma.
A year later, Charlie's right eye was removed for the same reason.
Despite the expensive but necessary procedure, Chelsea Stipe said it was an easy decision. She told NBC.
"For us it was a no-brainer, empty our retirement plan to care for this dog because he makes us happy."
Thankfully, the Stipe's paired Charlie up with his own "seeing eye puppy" – a four-month old who is named Maverick.
The pair has established a very special bond that warrants their own Instagram page.
Meet Charlie and Maverick.
Charlie didn't take to the new family member at first, but in a matter of time, Maverick adopted his important role in helping Charlie "see" and won him over.
Chelsea Stipe told TODAY:
"When Maverick and Charlie play, it's definitely great to watch because Charlie turns into such a puppy. It's sweet to see them get along and enjoy each other."
Maverick is such a good doggo; he makes sure he walks close to his impaired companion so he doesn't bump into anything. "They almost turn into little sled dogs where they'll walk together," observed Chelsea.
Despite losing his vision, Chelsea said Charlie hasn't given up on having a good time, and Maverick is ensuring he won't miss a thing.
"When they would play, Maverick would realize that Charlie would lose the toy sometimes, so (Maverick) would pick it up and put it back in front of him to re-engage playtime," she told NBC Philadelphia.
It doesn't get any cuter than this.
@charlieandmav/Instagram
@charlieandmav/Instagram
Since starting the Instagram account a week ago, their page gained over 65K followers to date.
It's no wonder why animal lovers are falling in love with this adorable duo.
@charlieandmav/Instagram
@charlieandmav/Instagram
@charlieandmav/Instagram
@charlieandmav/Instagram
We could learn a thing or two from our furry friends.
@charlieandmav/Instagram
@charlieandmav/Instagram
Chelsea said the response to her pals's Instagram page has been overwhelming, and other owners whose dogs suffered from glaucoma reached out to the Stipes.
"We have definitely been overwhelmed with the response, but it's such a good thing. We love how positive the community is and how happy (the dogs) are making everyone."
You can follow Charlie and Maverick's Instagram page for more photos.
Their page's description reads:
"Two best buds living life to the fullest."
They sure are leading by example.
It's difficult to imagine what it would be like to be deprived of sight.
We are so dependent on our senses to narrate the world around us, that losing one of them would easily mess with us. Blindness in particular would be so different for most of us that we cannot fathom the stakes.
It makes us curious.
The Next Batch Of New Emojis Is All About Inclusion And Accessibility
All new emojis must be approved by the Unicode Consortium, which often receives submissions from companies like Apple and Google on what the next emojis should be. In a victory for the disabled and LGBTQ+ communities, the Consortium has announced 2019's new emojis will include many symbols centered around inclusion.
230 new emoji released in move to make characters more inclusive https://t.co/yQZpjcKplz https://t.co/Z5gt35EtTj— ITV News (@ITV News) 1549456458
NEW EMOJI: Next batch of emoji includes people with #disabilities, guide dog https://t.co/CX7LazZd0r What else wou… https://t.co/jkk47ladVe— Lane Luckie (@Lane Luckie) 1549450800
Apple requested last year that the list of emojis include more diverse, inclusive symbols.
Their request was definitely heard!
The Unicode Consortium has announced its final list of approved emoji for this year. The new batch of emoji include… https://t.co/Ex1QPg9wy4— Daniel Fleshbourne (@Daniel Fleshbourne) 1549442765
Other new emojis include a computer, a planet, and... AN OTTER!
New emojis approved in #emoji12 will come to operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows), apps (WhatsApp) and web pla… https://t.co/s0uvG1idMS— Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻 (@Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻) 1549397892
But the big ticket items among emoji lovers have definitely been the guide-dogs, deaf individuals, and non-binary couples.
✅ Approved in #emoji12: Guide Dog https://t.co/CmxJuQQ2dt https://t.co/iNJ3801EUF— Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻 (@Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻) 1549406419
✅ Approved in #emoji12: Man With Probing Cane https://t.co/07pUddbzeh https://t.co/xCDLIIeFQB— Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻 (@Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻) 1549409083
✅ Approved in #emoji12: Manual Wheelchair https://t.co/m5l7plNTzY https://t.co/2N1epGOKHv— Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻 (@Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻) 1549410936
✅ Approved in #emoji12: Ear With Hearing Aid https://t.co/JVWXvLpsat https://t.co/zRhowm9yj6— Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻 (@Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻) 1549414728
✅ Approved in #emoji12: Deaf Man https://t.co/UKgIdSdSar https://t.co/wgcx70xaTd— Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻 (@Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻) 1549417976
The new emojis feature non-binary couples with almost any mix of races.
✅ Approved in #emoji12: People Holding Hands. Gender neutral / gender inclusive, with mixed skin tone support… https://t.co/z3KjsYSh48— Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻 (@Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻) 1549424818
✅ Approved in #emoji12: Mixed Skin Tone Support for Men Holding Hands (👬) https://t.co/APoF9en9Em— Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻 (@Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻) 1549433936
✅ Approved in #emoji12: Mixed Skin Tone Support for Women Holding Hands (👭) https://t.co/fbcfKmAiPa— Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻 (@Emojipedia 🇺🇦🌻) 1549432693
While these steps are definitely important, many Twitter users were most excited about a certain other emoji...
More excited than I should be about the incoming addition of this emoji. But more amazing news is that accessibili… https://t.co/ivNeefM6X5— Uma Kumaran (@Uma Kumaran) 1549457452
There are non-binary people represented in the 2019 emoji! Also wheelchair users, service dogs, and even more impor… https://t.co/k79YG2Nqou— Laurie Voss (@Laurie Voss) 1549423733
@seldo My non-binary service otter will be so pleased!— Marion Cotesworth-Haye (@Marion Cotesworth-Haye) 1549423859
@unicode Finally https://t.co/89vVEfVW9r— Lucy (@Lucy) 1549399341
In general, social media was glad to see a new, more inclusive set of emojis.
LOOK AT ALL THE NEW DISABILITY EMOJI!!!!! THIS IS GOOD! https://t.co/uEkVkNzOWo— Jamie-Leigh (@Jamie-Leigh) 1549447568
The new emojis should become available along with an upcoming software update. Congratulations to Apple and the Unicode Consortium for taking steps to improve disabled and LGBTQ+ representation!