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There are benefits to every disorder, says counseling psychologist Kristin Hammond. The diagnosis should not be a sad verdict. We understand what advantages people with borderline personality disorder have.
Everything that makes a person special, «different», can fit into some kind of diagnosis. A musical gift or sports talent is also not given to everyone. Diagnosis is a set of characteristics that deviate from the norm to one degree or another. But the same can be said about high intelligence and other outstanding qualities that we evaluate positively.
Of all the diagnoses, borderline personality disorder (BPD) gets the most. Most articles, blogs, books and videos will advise you to stay away from unstable borderline personality disorder. But it also has its own beauty that makes people with BPD unique and attractive.
1. They have a high level of self-awareness
In any situation, «borderliners» are well aware of what emotions they are experiencing and why. For example, they are happy because they go to a party, get angry if someone is rude, feel abandoned if a companion pays more attention to others, and happy if they meet someone who shares their interests. They are not embarrassed that they experience all these feelings at the same time.
2. They put their heart and soul into it
People with BPD feel “in full” about whatever it is about: a loved one, art, music, literature, sports, food. And they cannot live otherwise than by investing one hundred percent. They follow passion; without it, life has no meaning for them.
3. Their enthusiasm is contagious
If such a person is passionate about business, it is a pleasure to be around. He naturally rejoices and admires, it is impossible not to get infected with his enthusiasm. It’s inspiring.
4. They are sensitive to other people’s emotions.
«Borderliners» recognize the feelings of others, even when people do not notice or deny these emotions. If, for example, this ability is combined with a passion for drawing, then a portrait can show a mood that is obvious to the observer, but hidden from the “model”.
5. They are empaths
Reading the emotions of other people, «borderliners» can literally «absorb» other people’s experiences. Thanks to this, they easily imagine themselves in the place of another person, understand the depth of his feelings and sympathize. Actors and actresses with BPD use this gift to get into character.
6. They can create deep personal connections.
True intimacy requires two ingredients: a sensitive perception of oneself and the ability to sincerely empathize with another person. Both that, and another in abundance at «borderliners». This allows them to create deep and solid bonds with others very quickly. True, sometimes it happens so quickly that the other person may be uncomfortable.
7. They are attuned to intimacy.
Borderline disorder allows a person to understand that he needs other people. «Borderliners», given their level of self-awareness, do not usually become compulsive stalkers, they are aware of the need for other people at a very deep level. Fear of abandonment encourages them to sincerely invest in both romantic relationships and friendships. Many people stop paying attention to those relationships that have long been established, and as a result, they face accusations of coldness and indifference. «Borderliners» are not in danger — they understand how important it is to maintain a sense of closeness.
The bottom line is: don’t write off people with BPD. Try to get to know them better, learn something from them. They can give you a lot of joy.
Source: growwithchristine.com