In need of a bit of advice...Long story — Page 2

If you're feeling good about it, that's the most important thing. I'm glad you reached out to him and I'm glad he's getting help. Good luck!

I was with someone a long time, and when he started to go through some really tough mental health issues (though not nearly as difficult as bipolar disorder), I tried my hardest to help him in every way possible. It was exhausting. Finally, one day I turned to him and said the best sentence I've probably ever uttered in my life: 'I cannot fix you.' It freed me of the responsibility of trying to fix a situation I was absolutely incapable of making better, and it really spurred him to get professional help. It saved our relationship and made him a far healthier partner. Be supportive, be there, and be sure to have his mental health needs taken care of by a trained professional.

I'm really glad to hear that things are looking up, that he's getting help and that he realizes his part in making things work with the two of you. That makes me feel much more optimistic than I did after reading your initial post. Glad you got some much needed rest too. I hope things continue for the better. xoxo

I really sort of kind of love this thread! I'm not sure young gays very often get the benefit of the experiences of their elders. (And, yes, I realize that's partly because young gays sometimes treat their elders as if we are invisible and partly because some elders look at younger gays as nothing but prey.)

But I think it's nice that one young man had the guts to share a little and ask a question--and was met almost entirely with kindness and candor.

(Or so it seems to me. I must admit that at 61, I often AM the youngest person in the room here in Palm Springs!)

Hooray for BWW!

Updated On: 8/12/15 at 12:01 AM