That third entity in the relationship

Did I mention that Suzanne is bipolar? She's treated for it, though it seems to an outsider like they're always fooling with her medication. It's sort of odd when you're with someone who's a chronic bipolar... it's like your relationship involves three entities: you, them, and their malady. It can manifest itself in an instant sometimes, and for her, that involves a really vindictive tone and an I-don't-care mentality. And then, an hour later, after she thinks about it, it's fine.

The critical thing for me is basically to just ride it out. It's not really her talking, it's this other, third entity. I just sort of ride it out, like driving on ice. Take your foot off the gas and make no sudden moves.

I sometimes think back with some fondness for some of the women I knew some years ago when I was dating. At this point, it's fairly easily to idealize them, but that's where this site can be very useful in terms of correcting pseudo-20/20 hindsight. Melody had her weirdnesses, as did Sandy and Mary and every other woman I was with. That's why I'm not with them now, after all.

I have to remind myself that the ideal woman with lots of good traits and no bad ones never existed, so I don't start fantasizing about what it would be like having to go out and date again. That woman never existed, or at least, I never found her, or even got any hint of her existence, so as far as I'm concerned, such a being does not exist and I ain't missin' nothin'.

When she swears at the cats, it's a little much... but then, I swear at the cats on a regular basis. I'm just... nicer about it.