What good do we bring to our relationships

I ask this because we all talk about the negative impact BP has in our relationship BUT regardless there is good.

My T and I talk about it pretty often especially when I am down. He has been telling me for years I bring “ color” into my relationship with my husband or friends.

I will say I have a hell of a sarcastic humor and could be a stand up comedian. According to loads of people.

I really TRY to remember things will indeed improve.

You ? Goooooooooo!

Great topic!

I am very creative so am able to be the chief photographer at family events and provide edited copies of the images as gifts. My family really appreciate this. I can also sing and play guitar and occasionally do impromptu performances for friends. They say they really enjoy it. I love being able to use my gifts to bring happiness to others. The depth of emotion and empathy I feel (sometimes fuelled by Bipolar episodes) help me to do this well. It is amazing the difference in performance or editing that occurs when in different episodes. Man I kill those sad, raging songs when mixed. lol

I am also witty and can make people laugh - and think. This generally occurs when stable or hypomanic. Depression/Mixed sucks my joy away.

Finally, my empathy (I am just one of the many empathetic people) and experience allows me to comfort people. Well sometimes I suck at it, but I do try.

Thanks again. Focusing on the positive things I can offer to others, (rather than tearing them apart through my illness), has really lifted my mood. I hope I was on topic and not confused as to what you were asking.

Great topic, Cristina. I don’t know if these things are in spite of my bp or because of them. I am the idea person in the family. I am good at thinking outside the box. I handle a lot of the responsibility and most of the decision making. I am very empathetic. Tho I am bp2 I am depressive enough to be pretty careful with big decisions and expenditures. I am a strong enough writer to have done it professionally and have some solid artistic ability. I sure as hell will know what to do if ether of my grandkids gets this, and anxiety and depression run in the family! Hugs all!

Thank you so much for making this thread, ~Christina! I agree with what all the others have already wisely said better than I ever could. It's important to remember our positive aspects and the joy we can bring to other people. I'm sure you're all wonderful. I hope you'll be able to see that more often, especially when you're depressed. Remember that you're all wonderful people and that your life is worth it. Stay strong, everyone. Stay safe and take care of yourself. You're all awesome! You're all strong! You're all warriors! Sending many hugs to everyone

The good I bring to my marriage has zero to do with my bipolar disorder. It is from me. I show my husband love and caring as well as friendship. Married couples can also be friends as well as lovers and sweethearts.

I am also humorous. More so than my husband. I guess my humor is a kind of "color" as described by OP. I'm also the more positive, glass half full, upbeat person in my household. My husband's not as much. He is more stereotypical "Slav". Plus, he can sometimes suffer from unipolar depression and has various physical complaints. I've been lucky to not have many physical complaints.

We both have our strengths and weaknesses. With only few or minor exceptions, one of us has a counterbalance in such cases.

I hate fighting and do not hold grudges. Though he does with some people, he doesn't with me. He surely has to practice more tolerance with my stuff than the other way around, but we both love each other exactly as we are.

I'd live with just the clothes on my back in a tent with my husband and still find some happiness.

Whacked sense of humor. Artistic ability. Something from nothing. Think outside box. Forgot where box was. Generally pretty goofy. Ok with that. Like to shatter stereotypes.

Good question, Christina!

Things I bring to my relationships:

I am witty and have a great sense of humor. I keep my friends and family in stitches.

I am supportive and empathetic. People turn to me for comfort.

I am organized to military precision. I help my loved ones with their messes.

Great thread!

I am a great listener and very empathetic. I make people feel comfortable and believe there is good in literally every single person unfortunately some have just had it burried due to their circumstances. I will stick up for anyone even if I dont know them, everyone deserves some understanding.

People have told me that my honesty and openness since my diagnosis have made them feel more accepting of who they are and things they struggle with. I hope it will also lead to my childen being less confused about their childhood even if I cant make it perfect for them. I was very confused as a child and shocked learning things as I grew older leading to a lot of anger.

My dark sense of humour is an acquired taste but my H is learning to like it haha and around the right people it is great.

H and I are both very loyal and passionate when it comes to each other, we fight and love strongly and are both good at turning the first into the second. My relationship with him and the kids are the most important to me and the other day my 8yr old said "but you and daddy dont need to get happier together" I cried because I was so happy they could see how much love and happiness we have even after the last two years of life being so incredibly hard on all of us. Must be doing something right.

Love this post, I dont really stop to think about my positive traits and had to think on this for a while. Thanks Christina!

Very on topic , what I was looking for !! You have many wonderful gifts

Thank you so much for sharing !’ You have many great qualities, I’d love to be a writer but, I can admit I suck at it lol

I’m so happy your husband is also your friend ? I have that also it’s amazing ! You always come across as a wonderful caring person and the humor ! Your great

Finding “ balance “ is so important , that is one of my tattoos.

I adore your humor , many times I have come here and your posts make me literally laugh out loud.

Yes the box’s move a lot lol

You and are very much alike lol

You are amazing, all the things we think are just “little “ add up to huge things when we actual let ourselves realize it

You are such a kind person, I don’t think a negative person could write such heart felt posts as you do.

I think my personality has unfortunately changed slightly for the worse with each new diagnosis. In specific I’ve lost my sense of adventure but I’m trying to get it back.
Thankfully I’ve still got my sarcastic sense of humour and blond good looks
My husband once told me that he didn’t need to tell me what to think and that what he loved about me was the fact that I had an opinion on everything. He did also mention that me being a busty blond brainiac was what first grabbed his attention 25yrs ago.
We’ve been told that he is like a glass of milk, I’m more like a chili.
He is steady as can be. I provide the ‘vavavoom’

I totally get what your saying. Lol.. the loss of adventure I think can wane after time. Kind of like if your 5 years old and wreck your bike you shed a tear or 3 and get up and ride again. If I crash I’m going to lay there dying and be sore for weeks , true story lol

High five to a fellow sarcastic humor person !

Maybe I’m chili too , I’ll have to ask my husband about that

Anyone else want to share ?

I am empathetic and a good listener. I am also generally a good mediator. I am loving and kind and, while I wouldn’t call myself “funny”, I am most definitely goofy! 😁

Thanks for the thread Christina! I am empathetic and my boyfriend even told me I helped teach him empathy. I also have a sense of humor. I try hard to be there for my friends even if I am having a hard time myself. I am often down to try new things or for an adventure. Like a trip somewhere new or skydiving for example.

Sounds fantastic !

All good quality’s , I’d have to skip the skydive LOL

Thanks for sharing

I feel like I bring a sense of belonging to all my relationships (friends, family, spouse) -- you never feel out of place or not included. It's a casual and inviting feeling my friends say when they talk to me. It's like you've known me for years. I think that's a quality I can be proud of.

What a great quality !!! Having people feel so relaxed and included is a gift.

Good for you !

Thanks for sharing

Great topic but my current state doesn't allow me to see the positive. I feel that I am toxic to a relationship.