Bipolar Disorder and Romantic Relationsihps

Bipolar disorder and love:

Why are romantic relationships so hard for some of us? Ever since I made the decision not to rush into a relationship when I got manic, I’ve learned a lot about myself and my past.

I’ve had some wonderful relationships in my life. Almost all of them started when I was manic. I always got depressed eventually, so reality hit my relationships pretty hard. Luckily, I’m a great partner for the most part, so we survived.

The problems start when I try to look for a relationship normally- through meeting someone in public, at a business or friend event or internet dating. It’s too stressful for me. So that is where I am today- single. When I’m well, I am fine with the decision. When I get depressed… well, it’s hard! I want to be stable in work and finances for the rest of my life. To do that, I have to stay WELL and focused for all of 2009.

Julie

Sandra

December 19, 2008 at 12:37 pm

I never had any luck with the regular way folks may meet – whether through friends, in public, internet, etc.

I met my current love – and this, I hope, will be everlasting – through our mutual hairdresser! She was telling him about me (without my knowing about it) and he asked for my phone number. My hairdresser had to wait for me to come in so she could ask permission to give it to him. I was rather taken aback that she’d been so forward with my life! But I gave her permission, and then she had to wait for him to return for a haircut! Our first date was the best ever – out to dinner, then to a coffee bar, back to my backyard to admire the stars. The next morning, he called me up to invite me to breakfast, and it’s been pretty wonderful ever since.

Yes, we’ve had ups and downs, but we both cherish each other and our relationship enough to gently work with each other through issues that may be uncomfortable at first. We’re both older, had our former spouses cheat on us, and we know how lovely a truly special relationship is. We nurture each other and gently hold each other’s tender heart with loving hands.

The one thing I’d love for Christmas is what I already have – him! He also has a grown daughter and four lovely grandsons who have embraced me as I’ve embraced them. It’s terrific!