I find this to be a really tough question to answer. Since my dx (in August of this year), I have been trying to figure things out too. I have always been outgoing, love people, like being center of attention, talks too much (even on my 1st grade report card, all A's and that comment "tree talks too much during class.") Now I feel so confused by all of this because I honestly do not know what my normal, stable feels like versus the "mania" or "depression". I mean, I know im sad when im sad or down and feeling yucky. I also know when I am really manic because I can't sleep, I am hyper-sexual, feel very impulsive. So it never dawned on me before that my sexuality, outgoing behavior, love of shopping and quick decisions could be a result of mania or this condition. There has to be gray area here, of course. I just always took the highs as they came and chalked it up to feeling confident and carefree. How much of that is really me though? How much of my changing personality is due to being aware that I go through these cycles? How much of it is me trying to be mature and accountable for my actions versus who I am? I probably sound like a weirdo. This question has got all the wheels turning now...