 

**Person A** is quiet and shy. In fact, they’re so shy that they can’t make any friends because they’re terrified of rejection. As a result they’re completely isolated and don’t have anyone to go to for support to to spend time with. Occasionally they’ll meet a very special person and will be obsessed with them until the relationship falls apart due to their partner not liking them as intensely. They self harm by cutting, because they might as well try to fit in with the emos they’re too afraid to approach but sit near at lunch. They have attempted suicide by drowning because they know their current special someone just doesn’t love them back in the same way, in the same amount. Person A binge eats and drinks alone at home. They feel empty no matter how much they eat, completely lost in life without any goals, but there are times that they implode with anger at their own helplessness and lack of direction. And the self destruction cycle continues. Sometimes Person A dissociates and has nearly been in a car accident due to not even being aware that they were on the road. 

**Person B** is loud and extroverted. They’re so charismatic that they befriend everyone they meet, and are extremely upset when someone refuses to be their friend. Because what does that say about Person B? That they’re a horrible person completely unworthy of love? An argument is the end of the world. Until the next day, when everything is suddenly fine again. Person B changes their image and job often, trying to figure out their “style” and who they’re supposed to be. They go to parties, have sex with random people, then run away by driving home recklessly. Because the danger stops them from feeling so numb. And one of these days it might just kill them or a pedestrian. (They don’t really care.) Then they arrive home, smoking a cigarette and stubbing it out on their arm. Just another night. Another scar. Before going to bed, they lock the door and look out the window for several minutes, paranoid that an ex might’ve followed them home.

Two very different people. Maybe they’d meet one day, but not for the right reasons. 

They both have the same diagnosis: **Borderline Personality Disorder**. Throw out your preconceptions of this disorder, because no two people are the same. Happy BPD Awareness Month :)