Hi new here too. When I told my closest friends they understood, sort of an *aha* moment. Like *we always knew you were nuts*. Now with new friends I take it slow. Just wait out the friendship and bring it up at an appropriate moment. Others I never tell. As for a bf, I'll let you know if I ever get one.

I can relate. I've been on a dating service for about a year when I felt I could handle it.

I've met about 12 ladies and I learned a long time ago it is not something for first meeting discussion. If you feel you have your BP in control, talk about what is fun and important in your life and down the road BP will come up. You can always find an excuse for taking meds, not drinking and keeping schedule in your life. It is nobodies business until the person becomes a better friend.

My experince when I told my first time date about my BP, it was the last time she went out with me.
If she knew me better she would know that BP can be a problem but it doesn't have to be a deal breaker.
Another date I went on the women told me for hours about her BP and treatment and failures. I complemented her and told her I understood because I was BP. She refused to see me again because she didn't feel strong enough. Her own BP was all she could deal with.

Hope this helps. Play it cool and Tell on a "need to know" basis. I'm still lookin

Just sayin ...

Oh and welcome Ireland and Mischief!

first off you are a PYT...pretty young thang....

second... relationships suck

third.... you need to live for you, not anyone else... if I took my own advice I would be way better off, but I continue to make the same old mistakes....

Welcome Ireland & Mischief.
Unless there is truly a reason, I do not disclose that I have Bipolar. I can be as sane as the rest of them! It really is something we learn over time - to know when to tell.
I feel it in my gut. But, I've worked long and hard to trust my intuition.
With friendships - for anyone whether they are BP or not...one should not divulge a lot of information quickly. True friendships take time to develop.
If you are medicated and seeing a therapist to learn coping skills...nobody will find out.
Hope this helps. You're definitely not alone here!

Hey girl and welcome =] I am torn about this topic. I have told a select few of my absolute closest friends and they have been very understanding. I agree with luvnhope I just kind of feel it when its the right time. On the relationship level i toss and turn, until recently i thought it was best to keep it out of conversation but i met someone who made me think about this a little more. is it fair to begin a relationship with someone to the point where real feelings get involved and then tell knowing the outcome could be hurtful to you and the other person. i know it shouldnt matter but the sad truth is there is a high chance that it will. i don't know what to do on that level which is why i am continuing to stay away from the dating scene.

Thanks for the welcome! Sicko, you're frekin hilarious dude!!! *Muah* for the compliment!
Mischief, I'm sure I'd get a BIG AHA! Lol
I'm just not big on getting shit throrn back in my face and so... I don't give people resons to, get it?
Sorry your having such a hard time Computer... wow, what are the odds of meeting someone w/BP and the nerve to tell you she can't handle it... WTF?! Sorry...
Luvnhope you're right on... I am medicated for everyone protection...lol and I do see a therapist. As far as I know.. no one knows, but then again. Who really knows? Ahemmmmmmmm
Sometimes I feel like just shaking someone's hand, saying "Hi, my name is Ireland and I have bipolar Disorder, nice to meet you. If you don't like it... kick rocks" Don't think I'll too far that way. *wink*

I've always waited a bit, unless I get the right vibe..think it's not so good to dump it all too soon...also, I don't really believe it should be that defining, there's a lot more to a person.

Be Careful.
Our trust and experiences come from a deeper place.So when we share them we may be hurt simply in the communicating.
It's good to let some spontaneity in.
My guess is they will possibly see a spark in you that they don't see in others.
I've had good response as well as ignorance or women that want me to diagnose THEM.
I dunno.Some want to be seen as kooky and BP cos it's 'cool' too.
All the best.Energy used up needs replacing too.

Personally I quit hiding it. But I think if you are far enough in a relationship were you would send Him to buy you Tampax, it's time! Really no matter how long you wait you don't know what He'll think but at least let him learn the "real" you.

Such a hard question... Thanks for all of your insight. I still don't know where the real answer lies. In myself, I suppose. Tampax! Lmao!
I do feel alot like you pluck. I don't want to get hurt. And, I too eaisly do at times.
Hummmmmmmmmmm

Keep on attempting.
My nephew gave me a sticker and stuck it on my guitar 4 years ago.He was 6 and I was dead inside.It awoke me a little.
It says " Brilliant Attempt "

Peace x

I tell anyone ..Im not ashamed or even interested in peoples opinions of my "behavior". All the people that I need ..i have.

I'm bp and proud! Hear me roar!

i also tell everyone when I feel the time is right. I dont hide it. secrets have a way of destroying relationships