I identify with so much of what is written in this thread. I have always had some social anxiety and I know my mood distorts a sense of balance in relationships so it becomes just too difficult (at times) too intense or too depressing at times even though at other times it can be a normal experience.

Also no one really wants to be around a depressed person... At least that is how I see it. People are afraid of the illness yes, and I do think people will pick up that there is something off about me even if I don't talk about my mental health issues, but it is more than that

so unless you are a charmer or have a gift with social skills I think that the ways a bipolar person interacts with other people on the long term tends to be difficult especially if they are introverted to begin with.