S2 E58 ADHD Women and Communication: It’s Not Attention Seeking, It’s Connection Seeking

You share a similar story because you understand. You ask questions because you’re interested. And somehow, you leave the conversation wondering why the other person seems put off or upset with you.

For women with ADHD, trying to connect can be mistaken for attention seeking, interrupting, or taking over the conversation. Jess and Jeannine talk about the gap between what we mean and how we’re received and how years of being misunderstood can change the way we see ourselves.

From sharing personal experiences to asking a hundred questions, they explore ADHD communication, conversational energy, and the fear of forgetting a thought before you can say it. They also get into a lifetime of exhausting self-monitoring: rehearsing conversations, holding back excitement, and worrying about being “too much.” For late-diagnosed ADHD women, understanding those patterns after diagnosis can bring a startling realization about what’s been happening all along.

Both things can be true: you can be reaching for connection, and the other person can feel unheard. Understanding that leaves room for clearer communication, mutual understanding, and being yourself.

Plus, stay after the outro for an epic rant of Star Wars vs. Star Trek. Can there be Obi-Wan?

If this episode resonated with you, send it to the person who understands that both of your stories are infinite and there’s always room for one more.