[Willow]

My therapist holds the view that it is best if I remain out of romantic relationships until... when? I'm not sure. Maybe til I'm out of therapy. I surely don't want to add complications to anyone's life nor to mine. I am curious about whether a caring significant other might speed the healing process. Does anyone have experience with this?

[bptoo]

Willow, I think this is a stand that almost all therp's take. To me it's a catch-22. I mean, isn't our mental health an ongoing work in progress? Nobody wants to purposely complicate another person's life, but romantic relationships are complicated things and take hard work. The good ones are worth it. I guess I was lucky that I was diagnosed after I was already married and my wife chose to stick it out with me. Trust me, she could have done much better than me. But she also took the time to educate herself about my disorder (I have Bipolar II) and that made it easier not only on me, but for her to cope. And she's had to do a LOT of coping.....

Finding a caring significant other would definitely be a plus if you're going to explore a relationship. Finding one who is willing learn about what you're going thru and be able to support you in the healing process would be even better.

Just my 2 cents for what it's worth.

bp

"A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart."

[jsc1972]

who knows what is best? everyone is different. if you found a special person willing to be there for you....hey, why not? you will be overly sensitive to things and may play games (defensiveness)....but both can be overcome with honesty. may be tough unless you completely trust the person. no one really understands the heart. you should be happy and if you can find someone...hey, why not?

<font color=purple> But a stranger in a strange land, he is no one:
men know him not and to know not is to care not for.
Bram Stoker, Dracula, 1897 </font color=purple>

[Willow]

Hi bptoo and JSC,

There's this guy at work... maybe we can just be friends. It's amazing how many times we sit there blinking in astonishment over the number of things we have in common... including past traumas.

Can't go wrong with a friendship I don't suppose, eh?
We sure do seem to communicate well. My T has emphasized thoroughly that I should not "date" the guy, but can be his friend. Dangit... I'm not sure I even know the difference... haha.