When I am depressed.... give me my space. be okay with me not wanting to socialize. notice what i do accomplish and not point out what i didn't. don't take it personally if I am withdrawn.

When I am raging..... stay calm, don't take the bait, let it run its course, never say 'calm down'.

When I am racing manically.... play the slow motion game... this is my personal favourite between me and my son. It is something I agreed to play because sometimes I don't even notice that I am racing around. When he says 'slow motion' together we slow every thing we are doing way down. It has a calming effect on me. It gives me time to breath. It makes me laugh. Enjoy the high energy and join in the fun. Be the voice of reason but don't be bossy about it.

Live your life. Don't become my caretaker. Enjoy doing the things you like to do with or without me. Be my friend. Affirm my feelings. Don't take anything I say or do to undermine you, your feelings, our relationship personally. Recognize when it is the illness talking without saying it. Keep yourself as level as possible when I am clearly unstable. Don't ask me how am I doing just tell me you love me, appreciate me and you are happy that I am in your life. Make dinner and pitch in with the chores.

Just some things off the top of my head. I am high maintenance and complex. I get that but I am also devoted, faithful and generous. I can be impulsive and secretive but if I know I can trust you not to judge me or treat me like a child I will share my innermost thoughts and temptations and let you be my voice of reason.

Wishing you and your fiancee well.