Continuing on with my “HELP! I married someone with ADHD”, series (see intro post HERE), I want to stress the importance that listening & hearing plays in any relationship. It’s a well known fact that spouses of people with ADHD often feel like their partner does not listen to them. This may or may not be the actual reality, but there are some things you can do, both partners, to improve your time of conversation. I share some of those in the video. Check it out!
[youtube id=”T-PB7wToDoc”]
ADHDers are good at juggling multiple stimuli. We can be looking around, texting, humming a song and still hear every word of a conversation. Problem is to the other person, the lack of eye contact and the extra activities make it seem like we’re not listening or don’t care and that can be a turn-off.
Giving your full attention during a conversation shows interest and respect. It’s hard, but very important to make an effort to give people in your life your FULL attention, especially if they don’t understand what ADHD is all about. Once they learn that you can in fact hear what they’re saying while appearing to be engaged in other activities, communication will become easier, but until you cross that bridge, don’t be misjudged as uncaring or flaky – pay attention!