I dont have any "real life" bipolar friends. I've only met a handful in "real life" that actually have it. I have quite a few depressed friends, one who was misdiagnosed as bipolar, we had the best times together, but she fed off my mania hence she got the diagnosis. Once we were away from each other her hypo/mania symptoms disappeared, unfortunately mine continued. Shes now completely stable with a child and only mild depression on occasion, no bipolar symptoms.

I think some people need to be really careful who they hang out with in each mood state. It could end up worse for both parties.