A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes: I'm scared to introduce my boyfriend, who has bipolar disorder, to my family. I think he feels offended because he hasn't been around my family much yet. He doesn't know why i don't want him to be around them too much though. I don't think they would understand his behaviour sometimes, as they don't know much about bipolar disorder. They might even be freaked out by it. He's a lovely guy, but it can be scary and stressful when he is manic or depressed. We have a serious relationship though, so i know that he would have to be around my family a lot in the future. There have been some embarrassing moments with him in public and at his house. What can i do about this ?.
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female
reader, Lolly_Poll +, writes (27 December 2012):
He's your boyfriend, and you've already said that you and him are serious. Bi-polar isn't going anywhere, it's going to be a factor in your relationship, and if you can support it and still love him then your family should too. Perhaps before you introduce them, you could make sure your family have information about Bi-polar. It's easier to understand and accept something if you're educated about it. Try talking to your boyfriend and explain that you care about him deeply, but are worried about your family's reaction towards his bi-polar, and don't want to upset him. Perhaps you, your boyfriend and your family could sit down, in an open format and talk and ask any questions your family have, to ease any tension. Good luck :)
A
female
reader, DearJean +, writes (27 December 2012):
It seems that he is suffering from depression. For that I am sorry, and I hope he finds relief. I assume you love him. Are you concerned about him, his suffering? Is there medication he could be taking but chooses not to? Have you talked to him about this for his own sake, not yours?You seem more concerned about how he makes you look in public and with family rather than how much he must be suffering. Why? It is his right to be depressed--to take medication or not--and it is your right to walk away if you are uncomfortable with appearances. I have to ask, why are you with him? What do you love about him that keeps you there by his side? Or are you too embarrassed to walk away because you are in too deep? I don't know. Only you know the answer to these questions. They are worth asking, though.
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