For many, college is dating heaven. There are so many people, with so many different interests, an entirely new world of potential partners to explore. But the thing is, that's for most people.

Time for a bit of honesty.

I came across an article recently where a man talked about experimenting by hiding his disability on online dating sites, and what a difference it made in the dynamics of his situation. He said that, when he removed his disability from his photos and presented a "normal" man, women messaged him first, and were even light and flirty, something he said was rare with the disability photos. And in an increasingly connected world, that really matters.

Photos definitely make a difference. I have noticed that if I present myself in pictures without my cane, it is very different. Some girls messaged me first and showed interest — until I told them I was blind. It's harsh, but it's reality. Now, I take a very different approach to how I want the world to see me.

Blindness does not define me. However, I feel like my disability is very much a part of who I am, and I'm happy with that. I put my cane in pictures on purpose, anyone that still is interested after seeing that I am visually impaired is interested in me as a human being.

I understand the want to be in a relationship, I really do. But honesty is important to me, and to me, presenting yourself as normal is being dishonest not only to others, but to yourself.

Dating is something that is ever a challenge for most of us people with visual impairments, especially now when so much is based on looks. But by presenting a version of yourself that is not truly who you are, you open a door of mistrust that could only be furthered with time.

So, even if I am single, I want to be honest with anyone and everyone, I'll hold my cane or read Braille or whatever because that's me. But so is loving "Harry Potter," music, guitar, my friends and family, and so much more. Those that see past a cane are welcome with open arms, but those that don't do not phase me anymore. Sure, I have had rejection based on looks, I have had friendships crumble when I tried to take things to another level. But those are the perils of honesty, and to me that's what truly matters in the end. And though every date may be a blind date, I want every date to be honest. Because trust and honesty are two of the main pillars that hold up any relationship, romantic or otherwise. So yes, I use a cane. Yes, I read braille. And yes, I am blind. But no, I am not going to hide who I am in order to be in a relationship.