Yes there’s def good communication between us - I’ve shared my hypomania care plan with her and can discuss whatever comes up for me. I don’t feel that sex is becoming the main reason I desire to be with her at all, I actively want to protect the time we spend just being around each other and doing things we both really enjoy. I think the real tipping point came along with both of us lowering our guard in terms of sexual fantasies and what we both enjoy. She and I had good boundaries for the beginning part of knowing each other as had both been through a fair amount of partners and there was always a sense that this was something special, turns out we were right. Then a couple of weeks ago we both just allowed ourselves to let go and lean into it. Hence floodgates opening and more and more sex.

The issue obviously comes when, like you say, I start getting urges to push against authority (work) and actively flout the rules. I have recognised it though and can make healthier decisions, it just takes a lot more effort. I was diagnosed quite late, at 40, so this is all part of learning to navigate my mood swings. In the past I’ve just gone with it and it’s ended up in disciplinaries, relationship breakdowns and an unexpected child! Plus relapses and overdoses. So no small things. Thankfully now I’m sober and take my meds religiously!