I think perhaps the bipolar mind is predisposed to these types of thoughts and feelings. It is certainly a possibility. However, I believe one can choose to maintain a pattern of annoyance and distrust, or they can take measures to foster a different type of experience. It is the belief system of the individual that makes the difference in my opinion. I do not mean to say that we can always leverage mind over matter to overcome a legitimate illness, but I do feel that there are methods of managing our emotional states so that we can experience preferable states at times when we are mostly well.

You've stated you do not wish to deal with people or their drama or be bound to them. Is it your belief that all interactions create a drama filled state? Is it your belief that allowing someone into your life means you have to engage in drama? Do you have to trust fully to experience a valuable exchange? I feel like there are alternatives to explore here. It is possible to engage with humans without it being annoying. However, it requires an altered perspective on your part.

I do not see people the same as you. I carry very different beliefs. I believe all individuals have the capacity to engage with me in a way that can be mutually beneficial. I believe that if I put my best self forward it inspires others to do the same. I trust in that truth and in myself. I believe people have the capacity to be drama filled and annoying, but I try not to foster an environment where that kind of behavior is what naturally comes forward. I believe that people can be untrustworthy things, but I offer my trust for the moments I am with them.

So... For example let's say I'm shopping. People in stores can be annoying. Drama happens there all the time. I walk with my head high and I smile at everyone. I ask someone for help with a smile and a please. I thank them for their assistance and their time afterward and wish them a nice rest of their day. I ask the cashier how their day has been and I listen even if they tell me it has been a mess. I find they then don't then really complain as they speak. It is more that they appreciate the kind ear I offer. I often offer a joke or a smile or words of encouragement to brighten their day somehow. This all shifts the experience from 'dealing with people at the store' to 'spending time with humans'. I did this the other day at Wal-Mart and the cashier told me a wonderful story of how a stranger did something thoughtful and unexpected for him on Black Friday. It was a positive experience with a stranger all because I asked him about his day.

When I used to work full time I used to make it a point to ask people how they were every day. I was genuine with my inquiry and it was well received. When they offered to share with me, I listened. I learned about their families. I learned about their pets. I learned about their hobbies and yes, sometimes they shared the 'drama' of their lives. However, the exchange didn't feel negative because they were being heard and supported. These same people reciprocated and asked me about my own life. In time, I became good friends with many of them. I even befriended many of the people who might be considered jerks or those who are hard to get to know. I carried the belief that I could be friends with anyone and it became my reality.

I have family members and friends who will gossip and participate in dramatic exchanges with others. My experiences with them rarely contain that kind of material. I steer the conversations away from that and into more preferable subjects. Or, if we must go down that road I offer support and encouragement to create a positive plan to move forward in a way that honors the integrity of everyone.

I work a lot with teams and it is my belief that any time we experience another human we are in a team for that moment in time. Bad teams stem from bad teammates. We can inspire others to be better teammates by being better ourselves. My best advice would be to spend time thinking through what you would like to experience. Spend time fostering those qualities in yourself. Put those qualities out front and center when you interact with others. You might then find that you begin to attract an entirely different set of experiences.

Food for thought... Take only what resonates.