i am a 68 yr. old married female; i agree with all the posts above and just want to add my personal experience; i no longer hide my mental illness and have some friends who have been with me and this illness for almost 40 years; at my age i am realizing ALL of us have defects or issues, in varying degrees even if we don't have a mental illness and i feel i have a better understanding of life, people and experiences than most and i am finding at this point and time, i am the one eliminating the toxic people from my life and there are those who are wanting to add me as their friend because i have a lot to offer. as i get older, i need fewer nos. of friends in my life but cherish the few that i have.