One of the saddest things I talk about with couples impacted by ADHD is how each person feels he or she loses their own voice in their struggling relationship.  This often is a result of parent/child dynamics and the power struggles that ensue.  

How do you find the balance between being you, and being a good partner?  

I think that’s a false dichotomy.  Does it need to be one or the other?  Why not both?

We all have an inner core person – that’s the ‘voice’ Copeland is referring to.  ADHD symptoms mask that voice by interfering with its clear transmission.  With those symptoms unmanaged, ADHD partners are often inconsistent, irritable and overwhelmed even if they are really great people.  But management of ADHD allows most with ADHD to become both ‘them’ and also a good partner.  In fact, managing ADHD sometimes allows an ADHD partner to be ‘more’ themselves than they could be before because FINALLY the symptoms that were in the way of that voice being heard are moved aside.

In non-ADHD partners, responses to ADHD can mask one’s inner voice by making us demanding, over-controlling and resentful.  Many feel ‘lost’ in the relationship and its problems.  It’s hard to meet your full potential in that mode.

But we have power if we engage it!  Power to make choices that put us back onto the path we want to be on.  Power to choose to learn all we can about ADHD and improve treatment.  Power to choose to move away from parent/child dynamics.  Power to choose to create blocks of time to attend to each other.  And time to make time for our relationships.

We CAN find our voices in ADHD-impacted relationships with the choice of healthy, ADHD relationship friendly strategies.  

Where is your power?

 

How can I help you?

FREE PARENTING ADHD ONLINE SUMMIT - 3rd Annual ADHD Parents Palooza July 27-31. Online + Free! 

Free VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS with me during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Thursday, August 6, 9:00-10:30am EASTERN time

Thursday, August 6, 7:30 - 8:30pm EASTERN time

Tuesday, August 11, 3:30-4:45pm EASTERN time

Thursday, August 13, 9:00-10:00am EASTERN time

Thursday, August 13, 7:00-8:30pm EASTERN time

Wednesday, August 19, 10:00-11:30am EASTERN time

Thursday, August 20, 3:15 - 4:45pm EASTERN time

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Office hours will resume in September

Adult ADHD can have a huge impact on your relationship. ADHDmarriage.com can literally change your life! Find great resources for couples impacted by ADHD including free: Online treatment overview; Downloadable chapters of my books; A community forum with other couples facing similar issues; A large number of blog posts on various topics; Referrals.

Resources

Is your relationship in trouble? Consider my highly acclaimed couples' course: ADHD Effect In-Depth Couples' Seminar - This 8-session phone seminar has helped many couples thrive in healthier, happier relationships. The live session starts Fall, 2020.

Support Tele-groups - Be part of a community exploring similar issues; learn from each other's successes and struggles; and find new, more effective ways to be your best self in your relationship: Non ADHD Partner Support Tele-group and ADHD New Habit Coaching Group.

How to Optimize Treatment for Adult ADHD - go to the home page for a free download about the best ways to manage ADHD.

Question? Contact Melissa.

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