Hi all,

I've recently started dating someone with bipolar 1. We met on a dating app and hit it off pretty quick. She was very up front about her baggage - that she has bipolar Type 1 and has shared a few details about a somewhat brutal past. She was hospitalized in the recent past and for the first time in her life, has been taking meds for about 6 months now. She told me she faltered a bit and stopped for a couple weeks, but then felt another episode coming on and went back on them immediately (this was all before we met). For the most part, she's been stable. With me, aside from being anxious, she's really awesome and it's been great getting to know her. She seems to really want to make an effort to lead a balanced life. 

I've read a lot of anecdotes here on reddit, and they seem to be all over the place. Some say "run for the hills." Others say they've been married to someone with Bipolar for years/decades and because they take their meds regularly, for the most part, they lead a relatively "normal," responsible life - some minor hiccups aside. 

This would be the first time I've ever dated someone with bipolar disorder (that I know of). I'm pretty convinced I dated someone with it before, but she was the type who would cut her nose to spite her face. Whereas, this new girl, was pretty up front about it and has accepted the reality that in order to live as normal life as possible, she will be on meds for the rest of her life. 

As for me, I'm a pretty patient guy. I tend to stay calm in most circumstances. But, I'm under no delusion that being with someone who is bipolar will be anything but "normal." We had a long conversation recently about what she feels she would need from an SO if she were to go into another manic state. She said, more than anything, she would need someone to just listen to her when she's in that state, not treat her like a child, and not try and "fix" her. She's intimated that she has not had very much support in the past - from both relationships or family, and that with a good network of people, she's convinced she'd be able to weather her episodes a lot better. 

Anyways, I'm interested in hearing your stories about this. Would prefer honest and sober advice; not interested in hearing anyone shit on people with bipolar or paint them all with a broad brush. This girl is her own person. As am I. I'm just looking for some advice on best how to navigate this potential relationship. 

Thanks.