I desperately wanted to be unipolar, to "just" be depressed. It was hard for me to come to terms with the fact that my times of mania were a problem and abnormal. I've also found that people understand depression much more than they do mania. My dh certainly doesn't see it as a problem when I do all the housecleaning, bake like a fool, and get up early to help him with morning chores (or just do them). He's not embarrassed by my behaviors or obsessions.

So when I complain about feeling manic or having too much energy, he doesn't say much. Now when I'm depressed... he gets that and does everything he can to help.

Oh, and I'm sure he loves all the sex he's getting.

As far as society, I've read stories about societies that basically chain those who have mental illness to their house because there is nothing else they can do to keep their family member safe.

People equate mania as a great thing -- hell, I think it's a great thing in the beginning. But you never hear of anyone wanting to be depressed.