My old friends weren't real friends, so I relate to what you're saying CopperStar. They weren't bad people, They were just unhealthy for me, because of my particular brand of mental illness.

They would talk very badly about their other "so called" friends and backstab.

They were very negative influences on my mental state. Everything they said about others, I knew they said about me too (I think this was a delusion) Therefore, I couldn't be "there for them" when they'd vent, because I would be thinking they were actually saying these horrible things about me. It was weird.

I need friends who don't talk bad about others all the time, but it seems that most women do that in friendships because they need to vent. I want them to be able to vent, without my mind thinking they are actually saying mean things about me.

Therefore, I know that my "friends" problem is more about me, and not other people. I used to think it had to do with others, but it's definitely an issue with me, stemming from bipolar and SA. That is why I feel I'd have an easier time with someone who is bipolar, because at least they might understand my issue, and be sensitive to it I guess.

Sorry to hijack the thread