Why People With ADHD Shut Down When Making Friends, And How To Fix It
Advice from an ADHD specialist that works great for folks without ADHD, too.
Almost everyone is exhausted by reading social cues, trying to pay attention to conversations, coping with sensory bombardment, and managing situations that tax your brain.
When we want to make friends, there are often consequences to reaching out to new people. You might over-commit when you’re busy. You may say, “yes” to an event when you would rather stay home and veg on the couch. Or, the want for friends is so strong you agree to things you’re not interested in doing to please others.
Here’s why people with ADHD shut down when making friends — and how to fix it.
1. Not knowing what recharges their battery
The key here is knowing what charges and what drains your social battery.
Do you feel better after spending time alone with a treasured pet or in nature?
Do you feel more energized after listening to a quick podcast, reading a book, or binge-watching your favorite show?
Do you feel recharged after a few nights at home doing your “routine” or after spending some time exploring something new?
If you can answer these questions, they will show you what works well to recharge your battery and what drains your energy.