edition #13

WW #13 How ADHD Affects Relationships (And What You Can Do)

The Relationship Statistics That Changed Everything: ADHD & Connection 💔

An adult ADHD diagnosis often comes with revelations about its impact beyond to-do lists and deadlines – it profoundly affects relationships. We learn complex subjects in school, yet navigating the intricacies of human connection often relies on trial and error, sometimes without strong role models.

Add ADHD into the mix, and it can feel like flying a plane through a storm. When I first founded BestSelf, my focus was primarily on productivity tools. However, my perspective shifted dramatically after my own marriage ended in 2017. I encountered a sobering statistic: a study in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that adults with ADHD have a significantly higher divorce rate (29.3%) compared to those without (14.5%).

This experience underscored a vital truth: professional success feels hollow if personal relationships are crumbling. I realized that relationships, like productivity, require intentional design and dedicated systems – perhaps even more so. This applies to all connections, whether with partners, family, or friends, and the challenges can be amplified for those navigating ADHD.

Building Better Relationships Through Intentional Systems

Regardless of an ADHD diagnosis, relationships flourish with intentionality. Here are three principles that have proven game-changing:

Regular Check-ins Beat Mind Reading: Don't rely on intuition or memory alone. Scheduled check-ins (weekly coffee, family meetings, monthly relationship reviews) create dedicated space for important conversations, ensuring they actually happen.
External Memory Banks Save Relationships: Use tools beyond your brain (calendars, notes apps, CRM-like systems) to track important dates, preferences, and past conversations. Remembering what matters to someone is a powerful way to strengthen connection.
Rituals Create Reliability: Small, consistent actions build trust more effectively than grand, infrequent gestures. Create simple touchpoints throughout the day or week that maintain connection without demanding heroic effort.

Design Your Connection System (15 Minutes)

Take 15 minutes today to implement one simple relationship system:

1. Choose Your Focus (5 mins): Select ONE relationship you wish to strengthen (partner, friend, family member, colleague).

2. Design Your Touchpoint (5 mins): Create ONE consistent connection point.

Examples:
• A daily 10-minute coffee check-in.
• A weekly walk-and-talk.
• A monthly deep-dive conversation.
• Regular shared journaling sessions (like using the Relationship Journals).

3. Set It Up (5 mins):

• Schedule it in your calendar(s).
• Set reminders.
• Prepare any needed tools (conversation starters, journal prompts).
• Communicate the plan with the other person.

Instant Connection

Take 2 minutes right now to send a text to someone important. Share one specific thing you appreciate about them. Don't wait for a special occasion – create the connection now.

📚 Reading Corner: Eight Dates by John & Julie Gottman

This book revolutionized how I think about relationship maintenance. It's not about fixing what's broken—it's about strengthening what works through intentional conversation and connection.

🎧 Listen: The Art of Showing Up Episode of Life Kit

A fascinating look at how small, consistent actions build stronger relationships than grand gestures.

💝 Introducing: 30 Days of Love - The Complete Couples' Connection Kit

We've distilled key learnings about building stronger connections into The Complete Couples' Connection Kit. Often, couples drift apart not due to lack of caring, but because life gets busy and meaningful connection becomes an afterthought. This kit provides a system to turn "someday" into daily practice.

Includes:

Physical Tools: Relationship Journals (x2), Intimacy Deck + After Dark, Connection Cards & Appreciation Notes, Date Night Deck + Planner (Over $190 value).
Digital Bonuses: Life Hacks for Busy Couples Guide, 13-Week SMS Program, Couple's Dashboard, Monthly Challenges & more ($260+ value).

Total Value: Over $500 | Your Investment: Just $129 (Save 75%)

Think of it as a gym membership for your relationship. Just 10 minutes a day can transform communication and connection.

Transform Your Relationship

With love,
Cathryn