This is an important article, Sean. It is on a topic that is very timely but full of stigma. You tell the story very well and with balance.

Like a number of illnesses, a critcal key to recovery or mitigation is that the sufferer accept the problem and seek to improve themselves. Unfortunately (and likely because of the stigma attached to the malady), BPDs often don't seek treatment but rather live in denial.

This hurts those around them but mostly them. I think they suffer greatly, as much as the suffering they cause others.

Better treatments are needed, better acceptance and more articles like yours that bravely and fairly discuss the issues involved.

You do not go into much detail about how the relationship affected you; I'm sure there is much to tell and much to process.