What is Neurodivergence Anyway? ADHD in Couples and Relationships

Listen in on part 4 of the ADHD side quest as Amanda and Rachel talk about what it's like to date, mate and relate when one or both partners have ADHD. A huge difference is the way the love cocktail-yes the Love Cocktail-affects the ADHD brain differently and for a different period of time than it affects people with a more neurotypical brain. Because the chemicals in the love cocktail are natural stimulants, love can have an addictive quality for people with ADHD, and then the cocktail wains in the partner's absence, creating biochemical withdrawal. and this can cause the ADHD person to hyperfixate on their romantic interest and even appear as if they are love bombing their partners.

 

Other huge challenges: communication conflicts, how rejection sensitivity impacts perceptions of intent from each partner, how ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and forgetfulness can erode your partner's trust. As Rachel and Amanda continue to reiterate, "Neurodivergence is not Bad; It's simply different." And understanding paves the way to intimacy.

 

The key to developing a healthy relationship whether you have ADHD or your partner does is a huge dose of healthy ownership and then the willingness to develop the appropriate accountability and coping strategies to manage brain differences with grace and compassion.

 

And don't get the impression that ADHD in relationships is all bad! ADHD-ers are incredibly deep feelers with tons of love and empathy. When trust is built, your ADHD partner can offer a depth of love--and fun!--like no other.

 

Listen to learn more about how to spot and manage the ways ADHD affects your romantic relationship!