"Hopeless Romantic" on the forum has a question about the I Love You sign - in what context is it casual or serious? Here is "Hopeless Romantic's" question:

I am hearing and I started seeing a deaf man recently. I am learning ASL and we have really been connecting. So, we were parting ways and he was getting into his car, and he threw up the "I love you" sign. I know some signs can be interpreted differently, depending on context. I was wondering if this is one of those times. Could he be saying "love ya" or is it really a more serious thing? As with any dating situation I don't want to ask him and make an issue out of nothing. Help?

Can you explain to "Hopeless Romantic" about the I Love You sign so she doesn't get unnecessary stars in her eyes?

Related: I Love You Handshape

A friend and I both enjoyed this story about a teacher in Vietnam who loses the ability to talk. After losing her speech capabilities, she becomes depressed; eventually she begins to work again (but not as a teacher). Several years later, she decides to try to learn sign language. Not only does she learn sign language, she winds up becoming a teacher again - this time of deaf people.

Sophia1970 on the forum has run into what must be a common dilemma for hearing people:

"I have just met a very attractive man who is wearing hearing aids and visibly feels a bit uncomfortable about it. I had not noticed, could not really care less but I am not comfortable either pointing the finger nor pretending they are not there..."

Read the rest and reply to Sophia1970 on the forum.

I wonder, are there similar dilemmas when sighted people meet blind people? Are blind people ever self-conscious about their canes?  After all, when you see someone with a "blind cane," you immediately know the person is blind.

What do you think about the recent indictments of 26 people for stealing millions of dollars from the telecommunications relay services funds? There has been a lot of emotions expressed over this; share your thoughts on the forum. Incidentally, someone asked if I had any relationship to two of the men arrested, because my last name is the same as their last name. I would like to publicly state that I have no relationship to them. I look forward to seeing your thoughts on the forum.