First of all, you really need to become knowledgeable about the disease itself. There are numerous websites that describe what the illness is and a little bit of how we act and feel. There are book in the library you wouldn't even have to buy either under Bipolar or Manic-Depressive. Once you get an idea about what we experience, you can better relate. Do not think you can ever "understand" us or even begin to know what we feel and don't even say that you do. If he isn't on medication or is not compliant with his treatment plan, then it may not be in your best interest to pursue the friendship if you can't take the PAIN. We will cause you pain but we don't mean to. First of all, read read read! And be patient and try to sympathize as best you can. Hope I helped ya some.

Check the websites! Do some investigated work to learn what the "warning signs' are. Once you understand what BP is... come back here and ask specific questions!
Most BP'ers don' want to accept the diagnosis! They have a disease! Whoa! That's hard to accept! YOU have to go see his psychiatrist, too. Make a mutal understanding. If you don't understand, his disease... you won't comprehend his pain and suffering. I HATE to be brutal, but get your ass in gear. If you want to live with a BP boyfriend... you have to make sacrifices! Option? NONE! If ya wanna make your relationship to work... find out what "turns his crank"... and live with it!

I think the comment from MTPockets was uncalled for and rude. 2sweet seemed to me to want to really help her loved one and MT just let her have it for even trying. I apologize 2sweet. Not all of us on here are this rude. Hope you have a blessed day.

I agree with greeneyed in that relationships are a two way street, you must both work to make it work. But DO research bp and find out all you can. He might not admit it, but it is much appreciated to know that those who care really care enough to learn about their illness.

Hi 2sweet. My wife of 26 years gave up on me 10 yrs ago because of my lifelong illness with BP but there are ways to help or support a friend or loved one.
I have listed them in one of my journals. I wish I had the resources then and maybe things would have worked out different. A free newsletter and information on this can be found at www.bipolarhappens.com

I recommend a book called The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know (Paperback) by David Miklowitz, (Guilford Press). There are used copies at Amazon for around $12. Good luck. It is nice to know someone cares. (The book would make a nice gift to him)

Maybe what MTP might be trying to say is we can be hard to live with at times but with support and understanding we are worth a chance ...

I forgot to add this link@:

http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/helping-loved-one-with-bipolar

Bipolar Disorder: Helping a Loved One With Bipolar Disorder

Good luck and let me know if I can help

Sorry it took me so long...new on this site...I just want to thank you all for all of your advice. It was all helpful. I am on a mission....I need to start by educating myself on this disorder. I am looking forward to the insight I will learn during this journey. This person is very very special to me and I love him very much. I have know him for 22 yrs and I know that this disease can really make it hard for friends and family but I am a very strong person and he hasnt gotten rid of me yet and I could tell you some stories...Thank you all again for your advice. Take care and God bless you all.
2Sweet