hi, i didn't read the other postings but i do know about hypomania! and i also know that my linguistic skills are a string point for me as well. i don't think the isssue is what those others have said as much as your reaction to them. you need to wait until the mania has passed and your in a stable place to see if you really care what they have said. when i'm hypo or the flip side depressed - sometimes i think that the energy and intellegence i put in my writing is better than it actually is. my view is distorted i guess. although i will admit that i do believe that my writing on a bad day is still better than most others on their best day! hang in there and wait it out. as far as your dad - does he know and understand about your bipolar? and aren't we all a little strange anyway.