But we both acknowledged the downside, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. Explosive, angry, moody does not begin to describe it.

But life with the “flat affect” people? I can’t even begin to imagine it.

After I was diagnosed ten years ago, I made every effort to dial in my “bipolar” behavior. Trouble was, I was passing myself off as someone I was not. Over the years, I finally figured out that “a little bit crazy” was my true baseline, and that my life was far richer for it. So I stopped living the lie.

Paradoxically, now that I’m more relaxed in public I come across as far more normal. Funny thing, even the flat affect people are drawn to “a little bit crazy.” It’s as if they need a jump start from people like us. Yes, I have to watch myself in public and have regard for others, but first I have to be myself.

It’s been a long journey ...