I don't want to be told to snap out of it, take a chill pill, stop acting like a baby, be patronized, talked down to, and otherwise made to feel that I'm the weird and irresponsible one in this relationship.

I want my partner to say, "I understand," when I go to pieces for seemingly no reason. I want her to say, "I hear you," when I'm upset and distressed. I want to hear her laugh as loud as me, laugh with me, cry with me. I want her to take me in my arms, and hear her say, "It's okay. I know where you're coming from. I would feel the same way in your situation."

I want her to give me a swift kick in the pants when I need it. But I want her support and not her disapproval and judgment.

I need to be safe. Emotionally safe. Otherwise, I'm the one walking on eggshells. Otherwise, I'm the one living in a constant state of stress.

That's a tall order for any would-be partner of mine. Who on earth could possibly understand where I'm coming from?

The answer to me is a no-brainer. Another bipolar, of course. One who also asks the same of me. With another bipolar, there is a possibility I will feel emotionally safe in any relationship I may find myself in. Bring it on.