By Nic Baird
Deborah Ann Woll, who portrays the vampire Jessica Hamby on HBO’s True Blood, is dating an activist with a degenerative eye disease, according to People. Comedian E.J. Scott is running twelve marathons, hosting stand-up events, auctioning DVDs and anything else to raise money for the Chroroideremia Research Foundation. He and Woll began their relationship in L.A. through an online dating site, and it continued when he moved to Chicago for improv despite the distance.”What he’s doing could help thousands of people worldwide,” said Dr. Jean Bennet, a scientist studying the disease at the University of Pennsylvania.
How do you give back as a couple?
Cupid’s Advice:
It can be frustrating to try channel a sense of misdirected altruism. If you want to give back to the common good, working with your partner can develop your love and your karma. This is a way you can combine meaningful parts of your life in a healthy way. Cupid has some advice:
1. Find your passions: There are so many ways you can contribute through volunteering, fundraising, activism and donations. Discuss your interests and concerns with your partner regarding politics, charities, and your community. This is a great way to learn about each others’ views, as well as finding an area of mutual empathy. Pick something that will fulfill both of you.
2. Make plans: Look at your schedules and decide how much time you have to spend on this venture. Do you prefer working at a grassroots level, or with a larger organization? You’ll have to make decisions about your committment and the ways you’re able to contribute. Learning about current issues together is a great way to be productive as a couple. It’s also a great date idea, so make sure you coordinate.
3. Take action: Get out there and do it. If you decide to get involved, make sure you both bring a professional attitude. Some coordinators might be weary of taking on a couple, but show them you’re both ready to work on this mutual interest. Discuss your experiences afterwards and make sure you give every opportunity your attention. You could have second thoughts about your choice and go back to the drawing board, but first you have to give it a chance.
What are some ways you’ve given back with your partner? Share your experiences below!
