 I'm someone who is fairly high functioning with bipolar disorder so it's not super obvious to people who don't know me that this is a daily struggle for me. Well one day when I was with my girlfriend (now ex), about 2-3 months into the relationship I had a sudden depressive/panic attack while we were watching a movie in her room and even though I was trying to fight off the very invasive thoughts that just seemed to burst in out of nowhere like the Kool aid man, i couldn't stop the shaking and crying. As soon as she realized what was happening, she just immediately asked me if she could hold/hug me (which caught me off guard because normally people don't ask my permission, either they do or don't) and when I gave permission she pulled me into her arms and started reassuring me that I was okay and reminding me to breathe (I have a habit of holding my breath when I have a panic attack) and I was shocked at how much better I was starting to feel within minutes although I remained mute for a while due to lack of energy, in that moment I realized she was the first person in my life (romantic and platonic) to have actually been able to properly help me during a panic attack, which I get occasionally when the depression is extra bad, and I just appreciated her so much for that. Even after we broke up, I took that action to heart and made sure to never settle for less again, including platonic relationships.

The two main things that I appreciated the most out of that whole situation were:

1. She remember a conversation we once had about me not always liking physical contact when I have a panic attack because sometimes it makes it worse due to sensory overload (in those moments offering me a beverage like water, juice or electrolytes is a good back up until I'm ready for physical contact again) and asked before she doing anything

2. She didn't belittle my feelings at all, not even unintentionally, which doesn't come by often, and actually helped me through it and made me feel like my feelings were real and valid even if my intrusive thoughts were lying to me (obviously) and didn't make me feel like I HAD to tell her what my intrusive thoughts were. She made me feel like it was my decision and not only actively listened to me but also helped reassured me when I decided to tell her.

We eventually ended on relatively good terms and although I myself wasn't ready to let go, it was time. We just weren't meant to be, but I don't regret a single second of the relationship we once had either because although we weren't meant to be "forever", we were meant to be during that time and I'll forever be grateful for the impact she made in my life. 

Although the chances of us ever deciding to get back together (at least on my part) are non-existent, she'll always hold a special place in my heart simply because of things like the above, she did throughout the relationship. 

If anyone wants to share their own positive experience/memory, feel free to share in the comments ☺️