staying normal is a bit impossible, but try for a little bit of normal a little bit more often... then try for normal for a little longer a little more often.

Love lonegael's advice on the repercussions of episodes, very wise.

As to hypomanias: it is really important to control them or else you can get really depressed.
Other people's opinions can be really helpful especially if they are close to you and know you well - so it is worth thinking about what they say. Sometimes they can be right!!!!
If they are not people whose opinion you respect, offering unwanted/ inaccurate advice then just be polite and move on - don't take it to heart or make a big hassle about it.
But if they are being inappropriate, eg discussing your mood in public then it would be worth saying that your moods are private and not for public discussion. I think that that is a fair line to draw and that they should respect that.

Just my ideas but feel free to ignore them, personally I haven't had a problem with other people trying to tell me what to do, mainly cos I'm pretty scary so nobody is game to try!!!!!