Topic Explanation
The discussion revolves around the appropriate timing for disclosing one's ostomy status while dating. Participants in the forum share their personal experiences and opinions on whether it's better to inform a potential partner about their ostomy early in the relationship or wait until the relationship has developed further. The central question is about balancing honesty with the fear of rejection, and how soon is too soon to share such personal health information.

Advice and Insights from Replies
1. Timing of Disclosure:
- Some participants advocate for disclosing the ostomy status early in the dating process (first or second date) to ensure transparency and to gauge the reaction of the potential partner early on.
- Others suggest waiting until a genuine interest is established or until the relationship becomes more serious, emphasizing that personal health information does not need to be shared with someone who might not be a long-term partner.
- A few suggest including it in dating profiles or being upfront from the very beginning to avoid wasting time with someone who may not be accepting.

2. Reasons for Early Disclosure:
- Disclosing early can prevent emotional investment in a relationship that may not work out due to the partner's inability to accept the ostomy.
- It helps in filtering out those who are not open-minded or accepting of such conditions, potentially saving time and emotional energy.

3. Reasons for Delayed Disclosure:
- Waiting to disclose allows the person to first establish their personality and other qualities in the eyes of their date, rather than being primarily defined by their medical condition.
- It provides an opportunity to build trust and comfort, which might make the disclosure more acceptable and less shocking to the partner.

4. Personal Experiences:
- Experiences vary widely among participants, with some having positive outcomes by being upfront, while others prefer a more cautious approach, revealing their condition only when they feel the relationship has potential for seriousness.
- One participant mentioned using a dating site specifically for people with health issues, suggesting that such platforms can be a more understanding environment for finding a partner.

5. General Consensus:
- There is no one-size-fits-all answer; the decision on when to disclose depends heavily on personal comfort levels, the nature of the relationship, and individual attitudes towards the ostomy.
- The right partner will accept and support the other regardless of their ostomy, and it's important to remember that everyone's situation and comfort with disclosure can vary