on center bipolar cell
How can I encourge my wife with Bipolar Disorder to become less self centered?
Going out for drives all night, since she is a night owl. Texting friends on her cell phone in the middle of family functions. Expecting the family to attend events she wants to do. Dumping the children off on friends or family to go shopping with herself. Expecting me to be available only when convenient for her. Not answering the cell phone when I call, but always answering for certain friends.
Your wife’s behavior isn’t due to bipolar disorder, with the exception of the midnight drives. My money is on “narcissistic personality disorder”, or “borderline personality disorder”.
Fixing a personality disorder requires a huge committment on the part of the patient, and that supposes the person is aware of the problem and is highly motivated to learn how to manage it. You’ve no doubt heard the joke, “How many psychiatrists does it take to change a lightbulb?”, the answer of which is, “Only one, but the lightbulb has to really want to change”. Ditto for your wife.
I’d get out of the relationship, and when it comes to the custody hearing, I’d get the visitation terms inscribed in stone.
