I've been with my husband for about 25 years, and married for almost 23. He has, indeed, been with me through the worst years of my illness, but never once did I think that he wanted to end our relationship. I certainly never wanted to end our marriage. In fact, we very rarely even fight. When we have pissed each other off, it usually lasts only a few hours to max 12 hours. I am not into marital fighting. That doesn't mean some of his stuff hasn't annoyed the hell out of me, and vice versa, but it's been piddly stuff that we nowadays just either laugh about or shake our heads about. That doesn't mean that I don't yell and rant and on occasion show violence (when manic), but it is rarely directed at him. It's usually only directed at life, in general, or frustrations.

I can definitely see how some couples would struggle with the many issues relating to bipolar disorder. Not all couples are even close to as tolerant and forgiving as my husband and I are with each other. My first love (not my husband) dumped me after a few years in the relationship (living together at the other end of the country for two years). I'm sure my bipolar disorder played a significant part in the breakup, but I think he also did, as well. I don't think he ever loved me as deeply as my husband does. Obviously, that first love didn't love me unconditionally, like my husband does. My first love was a bit superficial, a trait I didn't fully see in him until after the breakup. I had also not quite recognized the clear signs he showed about his dissatisfaction for me. It's like they passed over my shoulder, like the wind. I remember the day of the breakup well. I was 23. He said he didn't love me anymore. I was shocked and didn't fully believe him. It was hard to understand how a couple could love each other, and then stop loving each other. That certainly showed how naive I was, and disproved the notion I had that "once you love you love forever". It was very sad and brought on bad bipolar episodes! Anyway, I know my husband and I will love each other forever. There is always someone out there that would/will.