Hi,

You may or may not read a lot of those types of magazines like Cosmopolitan, Esquire, etc…But you may see them in your doctor’s or dentist’s waiting rooms. And you can’t help but see the headlines scream out at you about relationships…And what makes a good relationship and what

doesn’t. And when they do, they inevitably talk in their articles about: COMMUNICATION.

Because good, effective communication IS what makes a good relationship good. In fact, experts do say that when a relationship starts to go bad, the first thing you need to look at is the communication. Well, it’s the same thing in a relationship where one of the people has bipolar disorder. You still need to have good communication. In fact, I would say that you need to have even better communication. Because there’s a chance that, because of their bipolar disorder, your loved one can misinterpret what you say…And that can cause problems. In fact, because of their tendency toward irritability, agitation, anger, and rage…They can easily take what you say the wrong way…And the next thing you know…You are in an argument with them…And you don’t know what to do.

There is a saying that goes: “Say what you mean and mean what you say.” Which is a good saying, but…When you’re dealing with a person who has bipolar disorder, you can try to do that and still end up fighting. Because what you think you’re saying may not be what your loved one ends up hearing. They may misinterpret what you say. In other words…They might mis-hear what you say. It might be colored by their disjointed thoughts if they’re in a manic episode, for example. Or their irrationality may make them think something else than what you mean for them to hear. So you have to be very careful HOW you say things to your loved one, and not just WHAT you say.

In fact…You can use your body to help you in this. For example: If you lean your body in towards them when they’re talking…It shows them that you’re listening to them. It shows them that what they’re saying is important to you. If you touch them lightly, say on the arm or shoulder, while they’re talking… It can give the impression that you’re sympathetic to what they’re saying. You need to be careful of this, however. Because some people, especially when they’re in a manic episode (with a heightened sense of awareness)… Might not want to be touched. You can also nod your head in certain places as your loved one is talking. This will also show that you’re listening and that you’re interested. And it will encourage them to talk more.

These are just some ways you can use your body to help you communicate more effectively with your loved one.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave