Actual conversation, recently overheard at a party.
(Her) So they're saying, you know, he's (blblblb)
(Him) He's bi-whut?
You know. Bipolar. That's where -
Yeah, I know what it is, baby.
So he says he's like, on this stuff that's like, um I guess it's like lithium, and I'm like
What sort of shit is that?
You know, it's like when you have mood swings?
Shit.
And you take this and it like, levels them out?
Bipolar. That's all I ever hear about. All of a sudden everybody's bipolar.
Like, I don't think so? Like, he's never been what you'd call normal.
If I thought my son was bipolar, you know what I'd do?
(seductively) Whuu-uut?
I'd take him out back and shoot him.
You would?
Put him out of his misery. Hell, I'd do it for my goddamn dogs.
So, you'd like. . . I mean, kill him if he was like. . .
Like I said, put him out of his misery. I'd rather he be dead than fucking crazy.
What if he was, you know?
(mockingly, but she doesn't get it) Whuuu-uuut?
You know, gay.
Jesus.
What would you do?
Well. (Thinks, with difficulty). I don't know, I guess if he has a job -
And a haircut? (giggles)
If he was, you know, holding it together. If he kept on going to church.
Does your son go to church?
What the hell are you talking about?
I mean, do you know anybody like that.
Of course not. But I mean a person can change.
They can change if they're bipolar?
Shit no. I just told you I'd shoot him in the head and it would be the best thing for him.
But they can change if they're you know. . .(coyly) gay?
I saw this thing on TV. Gospel camp, a bunch of ex-gays. Sure, a person can if they want to.
Can they?
Hey, listen. If you were in love with your boss, would you just come up to him and say. . .
Doubt it (giggles).
So you'd keep it to yourself.
So it's OK to be gay if you keep it to yourself.
That's what I'm sayin'. It's a decision, you just don't act on it.
So if you're like, heterosexual, you can just decide not to act on it.
I guess maybe. . . I don't know, that's different. But I guess so.
So being gay is OK so long as you don't act on it.
If you don't make a big deal out of it. Just keep it to yourself.
But if you're bipolar -
I told you, I'd blow his brains out.
What if he like learned to, like, keep it together? Kept on going to church.
I see where you're going. No thanks, dear, it's a whole 'nother issue.
I don't believe you.
I told you already. I'd do it out of love. I'd do it for one of my dogs, and I'd do it for my son.
But is it OK if you, like, keep it to yourself?
Forget it, darlin'. Mental illness is the end of the line.