Description

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss ADHD and friendships – the challenges faced when trying to make friends, keeping them, and high expectations placed upon what a friend should be. 
 
They discuss finding joy in low-pressure connections and forming bonds through shared interests, redefining friendship on their own terms and focusing on practical strategies such as active listening. Julie and Jel offer encouragement for embracing genuine, interest-based relationships that align with ADHD traits.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Friendship and ADHD: Julie and Jel reflect on how ADHD shapes their perception of friendship, often preferring “close acquaintances” over traditional friendships due to struggles with societal expectations and high personal standards.
• Challenges in Maintaining Friendships: ADHD traits like oversharing, over-talking, and object permanence make it difficult to sustain connections and meet traditional friendship norms. This can leave people with ADHD confused due to their good intentions being misunderstood by others.
• Adapting to Friendship Needs: They find joy in low-pressure relationships, like casual acquaintances, and focus on shared interests such as hobbies or sports to foster meaningful connections.
• Practical Advice: Lowering expectations, practicing active listening, and seeking social groups with shared interests help build connections while managing the unique dynamics of ADHD in friendships. Despite having challenges with friend groups in the past, you don’t have to give up trying in future.

 LINKS

•  Julie is the author of THE MISSING PIECE: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (Harper Collins, 2024) 

 
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