u/Famous-Object1674

Me (22M) and my girlfriend (23F) recently started dating. She has what I believe is bipolar II. I’ve been around people with bipolar before in my life, but I’ve never actually dated someone who has it, so this is new territory for me.

Just to be clear, I don’t see her as “less than” or different in a negative way — just that there are some extra things I want to understand so I can show up for her better.

She is currently on medication and in therapy, so she is actively working on managing it, which I really respect.

My question is: when she has those random depressive lows or when she seems more elevated/possibly hypomanic, what’s the best way for a partner to support her without making things worse?

I don’t want to overstep, try to “fix” her, or say the wrong thing in those moments. I just want to be supportive in a healthy way for both of us.

All your advice and tips are always much appreciated

Me (22M) and my girlfriend (23F) just started dating long distance. Honestly, I think I’m managing it pretty well because I’m pretty low maintenance and don’t need a ton to feel loved, but I know she feels the distance more than I do since physical touch is her main love language and mine really isn’t.

I care about her a lot and I want her to genuinely feel loved, cared for, and reassured while I’m away. I’ve been trying to think of little things I can do besides just texting/calling, but I’m kinda lost on what actually helps in an LDR.

Do y’all have any suggestions? Maybe gift ideas, surprises, routines, thoughtful things your partner did that made the distance easier, etc. I’d really appreciate hearing what worked for you guys because I want to put effort into this and make sure she feels it too.