Of course, everyone has suggestions on how to avoid arguments and make things best for everyone.  However, what happens when you are dealing with someone who has a mental defect?  I have seen numerous people who are in relationships with someone who has a mental problem.  Most of the people are bi-polar or manic-depressive. 

For those who know what bi-polar is you realize how difficult it can be to work and have a relationship with a bi-polar person.  If you are brave enough to attempt this knowingly, then I admire you greatly.  A bi-polar person can be very fun loving and sensitive at times, while at other times they are the worst thing in the world to deal with. 

An argument with a bi-polar person tends to turn personal, quickly.  If you are just having a general argument, it is highly likely to turn highly personal.  This can occur even before you realize it has occurred, until it is too late and the damage has been done.  One of the most important things to realize is that many bi-polar people are unable to control their temper, emotions, and actions at times. 

This is not to say that those who are bi-polar are violent.  However, they do tend to be very short tempered, and agitated easily.  Whenever possible, never rely on the bi-polar person in the house to be responsible for paying bills, and balancing the checkbook.  This is just asking for trouble no matter how you look at it.  Bi-polar people tend to be very impulsive in spending, which means often that bills will go unpaid in lieu of a spur of the moment shopping trip. 

Another touchy subject with bi-polars is their employment history.  Most who are bi-polar are unable to maintain a steady job for more than a few months at best.  While this makes it very difficult for others who are contributing to the income of the house, it is something that must be known about upfront when entering into a relationship with a bi-polar partner. 

While most who are bi-polar do attempt to control their urge’s and emotions, they find it difficult to maintain focus on work, or even care what is going on around them at work.  It is not that they are unwilling to work, they just tend to make bad employees overall.  While their work records and financial habits can be improved with the use of medications this leads to another highly explosive argument. 

Most who are bi-polar do not want to discuss their medication habits, or lack of.  This can be a major cause for problems in the household especially with a bi-polar partner who is just beginning to become stabilized on their medications. 

While there are many rocky roads ahead, I hope my advice and suggestions on dealing with those who are bi-polar will be helpful to some who have been desperately seeking advice for years.