Point taken regarding the difference between hypomania and mania symptoms. But not everyone, including those with BP2, experience the extremes of mania.

From my own experience I failed to recognize a hypomanic episode until it was far too late because I felt great and didn't realize something was wrong.

It ended with one of the most severe manic/mixed episodes I've ever experienced. It was one of those experiences you hear can happen to BP patients, but you don't believe can happen to you until it does.

When I finally snapped out of it, I was pretty damn shaken up about what had happened, and probably for the first time I came to terms with how dangerous this disorder can be.

So I agree, I wouldn't wish that experience on anyone