7 Challenges Individuals with ADHD Face in Making and Maintaining Friendships, as Explored by a Psychologist
7 ways ADHD can impact your ability to make and maintain friendships, explained by a psychologist
Hey fashionistas! Forming and maintaining friendships can be as challenging as finding the perfect pair of shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. But what happens when you throw ADHD into the mix? Well, let’s just say it adds some extra hurdles that even the most skilled high-heel-wearer would struggle to overcome.
Dr. Megan Neff, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD and autism treatment, knows a thing or two about the difficulties that come with ADHD and maintaining friendships. As an expert in the field and someone with personal experience, she shared some insights and fabulous tips on navigating the fashion runway of friendships.
1. Out of Sight, Out of Mind (with a sprinkle of fabulousness)
We all know that feeling when your favorite handbag disappears into the depths of your closet, only to be found months later. Well, for people with ADHD, that “out of sight, out of mind” experience extends to friendships too. Those long-distance BFFs might start feeling neglected quicker than a pair of discounted designer heels.
Tip: Set reminders, darling! Just like you set reminders for fashion sales, set automated reminders to text or call your friends who are far away. Trust me, your friends will be over the moon to hear from you, and you won’t have to stress about remembering on your own.
2. Conversations, Couture, and Tactful Adjustments
Ever unintentionally cut someone off in conversation? It happens to the best of us, especially those with ADHD. Just like accidentally taking the spotlight at a fabulous party, sometimes we don’t notice if we’ve taken the mic for too long.
Tip: Channel your inner fashion observer. Non-judgmentally observe yourself in social settings and pick up on those habits that might interrupt others. With a little adjustment, you can gracefully let others shine while still rocking your own style.
3. Hello, Gorgeous Mindscape, Goodbye Important Details
In the fast-paced world of socializing, it’s easy to get lost in your own fashionable thoughts rather than tuning in to your friends. While they spill the tea on their day, you might find your mind wandering to the latest fashion trends, missing out on crucial moments to support your pals.
Tip: Embrace your unique brain, darling! Be open and honest about your fashionably scattered mind. Simply acknowledging your scattered thoughts and asking for a quick recap can work wonders. Remember, it’s all about communication, just like finding the perfect LBD.
4. Passionate Reactions: Drama or Haute Couture?
As fashionistas, our emotions can sometimes rival the runway drama of Paris Fashion Week. People with ADHD are more likely to experience emotional dysregulation, meaning our reactions can be as passionate as spotting a celebrity in the front row. This intensity can complicate friendships and make them feel like walking through a minefield of sparkly emotions.
Tip: Cue the mindfulness music! Mindfulness is the must-have accessory for emotional regulation. Learn some fabulous down-regulation strategies through therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy. And for quick emotional touch-ups, try out some dazzling mindfulness exercises to ground yourself and avoid any fashion faux pas.
5. Rejections: Missed Style Opportunity or Fabulous Misunderstanding?
Let’s face it, rejection is never in vogue. For those with ADHD, rejection sensitivity dials up to eleven. We tend to perceive rejection more easily, which can lead to unnecessary conflict or retreating from friendships at the first sign of criticism or disapproval.
Tip: Time for a mental wardrobe makeover! Reframe rejection in your fabulous mind, my dear. Cognitive reframing is your secret weapon. If someone doesn’t text back, instead of assuming the worst, reframe it as them being busy and send them another text. After all, no outfit is complete without a little sprinkle of positive thinking.
6. Unmask Your True Self: Fashionably Authentic Friendships
Just like wearing a mask (not the fashionable kind), hiding your true self to fit in can be exhausting. While self-awareness is chic, being overly self-critical can lead to “masking” your ADHD or autism symptoms. And trust me, social interactions should never feel like walking in uncomfortable shoes all day.
Tip: Embrace your fabulous uniqueness, darling! Notice when you start people-pleasing, as that can be a sign of masking. Identify your response patterns and slowly learn to be authentically yourself. Remember, confidence is the key to rocking any outfit, including your friendships.
7. Befriend Fashionable Souls: Your Style Tribe Awaits
Sometimes, it’s a challenge for even the most fabulous fashionistas to find friends who truly get them. When you forget to text or find yourself zoning out, it can lead to misunderstandings that would make even Anna Wintour raise an eyebrow. That’s why it’s crucial for the people close to you to understand your fabulous brain and unique fashion sense.
Tip: Seek out the kindred spirits who understand your fashionably quirky ways. Look for friends who dance to the beat of their own drum, just like you. These are the kind of friendships that don’t need constant maintenance or daily check-ins. Instead, they’re the ones where you can catch up once in a while, dive deep, and know you care about each other, no matter how many fashion emergencies arise.
So, my stylish readers, embrace your unique fashion journey, ADHD and all! Remember, friendships are like a well-curated wardrobe – they take time, effort, and a lot of fabulousness. Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Let’s cultivate a fashion-forward community of friendship rockstars!
