Well yeah my opinion is that its virtually impossible to be in a relationship on SSRI style antidepressants and have it actually work out. They basically remove the emotional part of you that is human. Walking, talking repository of your life experiences, check. Actual clear thinking human with emotions, not so much. The memory & logic is always in charge. There is no presence of mind & emotion in the here and now. Which to people who still have emotions, makes people who take SSRIs seem like callous jerks who, through emotional ignorance, push other people around a bit because they are unable to pick up on social cues and the emotions of others very well (and by very well I mean not at all).
Wellbutrin will make you talk about nothing all day. Really not too bad, the people on wellbutrin. Except they will talk at inappropriate times.
Its about as predictable as a long time pot users having a hard time finding the right words but increasing creativity or nicotine making someone more extroverted.
I guess I can't really add to the argument one way or the other, as I haven't been in a relationship in a few years, but knowing myself, an SSRI isn't necessarily the devil it's cracked up to be. Then again, there are two critical factors: which chemical, and what dosage.
Zoloft alone might have problems for some people, but in combination with Wellbutrin, it certainly hasn't given me any side effects that would impact relationships. And I'd argue that the overall effects of the combo would be far more beneficial to a good relationship than foregoing treatment.
I'll add that causative symptoms or those from treatment are unlikely to be the cause of my current relationship status. I have not been even attempting to pursue anything unless it falls in my lap, because I would much rather get things better worked out in my life before I take on that kind of financial burden. I'm on track toward getting things in great shape, and I'd rather keep it that way. I've been eyeing certain scenarios, and I'm not against a relationship, but it's definitely not on my priority list. Given certain factors, like turning 30 in two years, I'll likely be in an almost "crash mode" state of mind, but I don't even pretend to worry about that right now. I need less stress, not more, and I think I'll be a more attractive partner in the end if I keep that stress factor lowered and have things in my life worked out and have a good career path. I definitely believe in having all of that figured out before cruising the scene as opposed to trying to figure things out after the fact. If I ever get to the children stage, having my life figured out will make everything far less stressful, and that is definitely a big plus in my book.
Certain factors may have played a limiting factor at an earlier point, and that may play a role in my current state of mind, but honestly, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Back then? Yeah I would have given anything to have a "normal life" and probably have a kid by now like most others in my age group. But fuck it, I'm glad it didn't work out like that. I can only imagine having a bad luck type situation where, oops, you're having a kid... oh wait, haha nevermind, you're having four kids! I have a co-worker like that, who had one kid and then a few years later, surprise, you got four in the oven! That's a financial wallop, and that makes it all the more difficult to get things on track if they weren't already. All the more reason to have your life squared away before even thinking about settling down.
But for the other folks like the OP, where you have already settled down, it's definitely never too late to figure things out and get your life in order. Beyond potential partners and kids, doing so will make your life that much better, likely extending your lifespan for starters, and potentially leading to a more rewarding career, which in of itself can lead to a wealth of possibilities.
Having your head screwed on straight can be the most eye-opening thing in the world. I'll never again pass judgment on seeking help, and cannot be more glad that I did when I had. I actually really wish I had followed through much earlier, but I'll take anything over nothing.
edit:
When I originally quoted you, what you had wrote was much shorter. Below is to respond to that which is beyond the first sentence:
I will add, in response to the quote that never was... I do not agree, not entirely at least. SSRIs are not responsible for the behavior you suggest. Instead, that is a combo of the original mentality of the individual in question, combined with the specific drug and dosage prescribed. Psychiatry is not a perfect science, like any other science. The brain and consciousness is a very complicated study, and what works for one in any given situation, even if superficially similar, is not necessarily the answer for others. Please keep that in mind before trying to label everyone on any particular class of medicine.
I'll relate that, as for myself, I haven't changed in my approach to conversations. If anything, I'm simply more bold in my opinions, putting less emphasis on how others may perceive myself or my opinions. But honestly, I haven't changed a bit in that regard. I've held the same beliefs, conveyed them in the same manner, but it was more rare for me to do so, the anxiety and desire for acceptance outweighing other responses.
I've not lost touch of social queues, and let things go when I feel it's reached a certain point, but I have strongly held beliefs that I often wish to share. I take no pleasure in admitting that I've made people cry, and that was before treatment. But I'll also add that I've never been one to be ignorant of others emotional states. If anything, I can be very empathetic. I care, deeply. And sometimes, I may care too deeply, especially when it comes to matters of politics and religion. I have my beliefs, have studied extensively on those subjects, and wish to relay what I've learned and try to shape the future as best I can, even if it seems futile. If anything, I care too much. :\
But I acknowledge that perhaps my behavior is or is not what you decry, for there are definitely those who take things too far and definitely miss out on social queues. But in reality, that's extending symptoms past the realm of this topic, because those often reach into far more troubling states of mental health. And yes, sometimes what is meant to be a treatment of one disease creates symptoms of something far worse, but as I said, that is the challenge with psychiatry and the prescription of chemicals that so boldly alter the balances of our neurotransmitters. Small changes can have profound impacts, so psychiatric medicine should not be taken with disregard. They are powerful and potentially life-altering tools, and should be regarded as such.