Hi, reading everyone's posts is so helpful & makes me realise I'm not the only one experiencing the same frustrations. I've been with my husband for 20 years. The penny dropped about 5 years ago that he likely has adhd. It explains so many situations, misunderstandings, arguments, confusions over the years. To cut a long story short, he remains undiagnosed. He is hard-working and a great dad, which makes it so hard to consider leaving. However I'm finding it so hard day to day to feel calm around him. He is restless, easily frustrated, quick to anger, impulsive, defensive, intense, and obsesses over details. Anything I do in the house isn't quite good enough, because I don't focus on things with the same intensity, so I never seem to get anything right or be good enough. He dominates conversations and frequently talks over me or interrupts. I talk and he just walks out of the room. I now just stop mid sentence but he says he's still listening. I'm a teacher, I spend my day projecting my voice and it's exhausting. I never feel I really have his full attention. If I disagree with him, on something as simple as a paint colour, he gets defensive as if I've personally wounded him. The simplest of requests can cause him to flare up. And of course there are the regular lost keys, wallets, unlocked doors, unlocked car - it actually got stolen and he still fails to remember to lock it, lost jackets, glasses etc, fast driving, which at times is nerve wracking.
I see so many articles etc on how to support your adhd partner. I'm the one who needs the help, I'm done being the one to be accommodating and understanding when he just seems to carry on without taking any responsibility.
I'm exhausted and want calm.
I agree!
Submitted by Swedish coast on
Dear BlueAnna,
Yes, you certainly should be the one to receive some help. The short temper and irrational behavior of your partner seems frightening.
Would your partner accept evaluation and a diagnosis? Do you have support from family and friends to maybe nudge him toward it?
The outbursts seem to be treatable in many ADHD partners, there are new kinds of medication addressing it.
I hope for you to find a peaceful relationship. Like you, I struggle with my partner's inconsistencies but want to make it work because there will never be another as good father to my children.
I feel for you and wish you all the best!
Dear Swedish Coast,
Submitted by BlueAnna on
Dear Swedish Coast,
thanks so much for taking the time to reply. It's so nice to be heard & understood. We've been down the road of trying to get a diagnosis & he hates the idea of medication.
we saw a counselor 3 years ago which helped as he is more aware of how his reactions etc impact those around him, especially me & our son.
I'm not sure what the solution is right now. I think i needed to come on here as I need the support of others who get it. Friends of ours see him as a chatty, friendly kind man, which he definitely is. They don't see the temper flare ups etc . Thanks for replying, I like your username by the way .
I completely understand, my husband is the same way.
Submitted by kosty on
Hi, I completely understand my husband is the exact same way. The only suggestions I can give are read these two books they have been a godsend for me. The ADHD Effect On Marriage & How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About it.
You also need to find a way to take care of yourself, that is the most important part.
I wish you good luck, here if you need to talk.
Hi Kosty,
Submitted by BlueAnna on
Hi Kosty,
thanks for your reply. And thanks for suggesting the books, I'll definitely check them out. You're so right, finding the time for self care every day is so important. I'm now really focusing on that to make sure that time is completely mine. Thanks for the tip.
I hope you manage to carve out your time too and keep yourself on the level.
blueAnna