ImagineFreedom

Also curious.

I have that behavior myself, get very motivated and do a lot of work, then just shut down after a week of it because either it got boring (too easy/mastered) or I burned out (too difficult) on the project. Diagnosed as BD, but everyone I know thinks it's ADD and I'm getting an assessment with another doc soon.

A few nights of productive action and a mood high (as in feeling strongly, crying or laughing) seems like the benefit to spending several weeks accomplishing little and being numb to all emotion but irritation and random amusement.

Is it possible to make that time productive without threatening one's mental health? Or is it something to avoid at all costs?

"She appears from the outside to be a relatively normal 30 year old girl."

I don't know the specifics of your situation, but as someone who has a variety of brain injuries, I can't imagine how terrible I would feel if cards explaining my situation were passed out before I arrived. How about a handy armband?

I learned over time to be here for myself and appreciate the experience. But living for others kept me alive in dark times. Everyone else's sake is a worthwhile life effort. You're here for everyone else's sake. It has a negative connotation because selfishness is expected, selflessness is rare.

What advice would you give to someone in a long term, loving relationship, where the partners aren't able to meet all of each other's desires? My SO regularly comments about essentially needing a surrogate for my desires she wants no part of, but is that really even an option or is it destined to screw with our relationship? Alternatively, can I alter my desires to be more suitable?

I have a strong tendency towards BDSM. While almost everything else about the relationship is perfect, she has no real interest and our sex life is unfortunately affected.