Recent Comments
- by: quiet crescent - Its weird because i sometimes don't buy it either, i don't understand how it isn't clear. It seems like it should be really easy to just treat someone you love with respect instead of treating them like an enemy. But then other times I wonder if it all goes back to impulse control and him just not realizing what he's doing What sort of consequences do you suggest?>>> on Forum topic - ADHD Spouse, poor verbal impulse control and lashing out
- by: honestly - I don't buy it. He could if he wanted to. The only thing that works with my ADHD spouse is him realising the consequences of not bothering are going to be less desirable making some kind of effort. Unfortunately it took me 20 years to work this out, by which time I am so utterly exhausted and disappointed that all I want from him is a separation. So IDK but maybe you can get him to see where this is going and that he won't like it when he gets there...?>>> on Forum topic - ADHD Spouse, poor verbal impulse control and lashing out
- by: MATTHD - If what you're doing isn't working (stuffing your feelings), then try something new like address your thoughts with him in writing? Best to do it in a way that gives him the best chance to hear it (see: "non-violent communication") and not get defensive.>>> on Forum topic - Hurt, Angry, and knowing it's the ADHD
- by: quiet crescent - A good suggestion. I've called out his tone many times, but he tells me he can't work on "tone and vibes" as actionable feedback. I feel really stuck.>>> on Forum topic - ADHD Spouse, poor verbal impulse control and lashing out
- by: quiet crescent - Thanks for this. I think it's part of it, but this sort of thing has been going on for a while. Parenthood certainly hasn't helped. He does get overwhelmed easily. I'm really struggling to balance tip toeing around overwhelming him, but he says he also wants connection and to talk about deep, meaningful things. It feels a little like being quiet all the time but ready to have a deep, philosophical conversation about something at a moment's notice. When we weren't parents that was more manageable, but...>>> on Forum topic - ADHD Spouse, poor verbal impulse control and lashing out
- by: J - This one happened just the other day. We were getting ready to go somewhere, and in a frustrated moment my SO said, "You're one of the most impatient people I've ever met " I had to really bite my tongue on that one because impatience is her middle name. I didn't ask, I didn't say anything...but I actually think what she see's more often is impulsiveness....like me, habitually starting to take my seat belt off while the car is still moving and barely in the driveway when she drives. Or starting to drive...>>> on Forum topic - ADHD Husband doesn't like my ADHD Sister
- by: J - with your intimate partner when both people have ADHD. I'm learning as I go here and it's definitely a learning experience C. And that protected space thing is more difficult when the entire house is one person's protected space! It's hard not to intrude when you live inside that same space. There's a lot I can say here about what I've learned in relation to some of the experiences others have had ( in their comments) but a few things I know so far. First, I really like my SO. I like her as a person, I...>>> on Forum topic - ADHD Husband doesn't like my ADHD Sister
- by: c ur self - I think the setting makes all the difference...Two adhd minds (especially friends) in a relaxed setting where there is no expectations, and no invasion of each of their protected calm spaces, they will really enjoy the interaction many times...>>> on Forum topic - ADHD Husband doesn't like my ADHD Sister
- by: c ur self - Like ADHD 32 say's it reminds them of their own behaviors which they love to be in denial of...Plus, it takes the spot light of their self absorbed mind....It's even worse for two narcissist....It's not your job to mange it....Step out of the middle, go enjoy yourself...I promise the more you focus on your own life, the more they will be forced to mange their own....Don't be the ear for negativity!.....Walk away!...If he tries to make you the bad guy for walking away, that's great, that mean's he's growing...>>> on Forum topic - ADHD Husband doesn't like my ADHD Sister
- by: c ur self - Having to adapt to the separateness that divorce sponsor's with children, brings so much more into play than just the adult pain... (especially where highly distracted minds are concerned) We are forced into very uncomfortable situations...(forced communication or lack of it, trusting of a person we have struggled to trust in the past due to lived out behaviors, etc.)....All things we would probably never choose normally...I'm praying for all of you, I know it can overwhelming at times...Bless you friend...>>> on Forum topic - The relaxed happy ex
- by: sickandtired - I did that twice, and regretted it both times. After each time, he would quickly go back to the moody, paranoid, angry person who constantly complained and put me down. I protected (enabled) my guy just like you have done. I made the mistake of taking on his problems, but no matter what I did to try to make him happy... Concerts, trips, etc would inevitably be full of unnecessary stress and arguing from him, while at the same time he would never make a decision. He would change his mind and blame me if I...>>> on Forum topic - I’m ashamed to say..
- by: sickandtired - My ex literally dangled my precious photo albums and irreplaceable keepsakes in my face, like holding them for ransom, saying he thought I might offer him money "to survive on" if he returned them. I have no photos of my grandparents, and the only photos I have from my past are the ones I framed or sent to friends by email. It seems like he has no sense of pride in supporting himself, but instead acts like a helpless child whose life totally depends on my "evil whims" he says. He always played the victim,...>>> on Forum topic - I’m ashamed to say..
- by: honestly - I've experienced the lashing out, and then the resistance to understanding that the behaviour was hurtful. Since he is so obsessed with you recalling everything verbatim, maybe sidestep this and make it clear it's about tone. The words themselves are (mostly) neutral, it's the tone that makes them hurtful. He has then to be on the lookout for this tone, not get you to supply a list of words. But basically it seems to me he is doing what my OH has always done when we have a problem of his making - he's...>>> on Forum topic - ADHD Spouse, poor verbal impulse control and lashing out
- by: MelissaOrlov - Hi - yes. I took anti-depressants for about 2 years to deal with a very difficult patch in my own relationship. I was depressed and having difficulty moving through my days easily. I found that the anti-depressant provided enough energy and calm so that I could move ahead and make the changes needed in my life, so it was very helpful. My strong recommendation is that if you choose to take meds you do so not to support the status quo, but to give yourself the breathing space to do the work needed to...>>> on Forum topic - Non ADHD spouse, questioning if I should be on meds.
- by: Swedish coast - I'm so sorry. This sounds like your husband is overwhelmed by the challenges of parenthood. He doesn't cope with it all presumably because of his ADHD. His behavior towards you is probably just a reflection of his inner chaos. He may feel if he can control things through you, he has some control. It isn't a decent way to treat a spouse, though. I suggest he gets some help for himself. Otherwise this environment will be impossible for you and you will suffer. Please take care.>>> on Forum topic - ADHD Spouse, poor verbal impulse control and lashing out
- by: Peacefull111 - Thank you so much for your comment it really helped me understand that he may not stop there and may want to continue trying to contact me, definitely something to be aware about. Just tonight he tried again. Yes!! My ex also took my childhood photos without asking. And my favorite clothing.. if he continues I'm just going to have to stick to my guns and ignore ignore ignore and continue my own healing process.>>> on Forum topic - I’m ashamed to say..
- by: N4ally2 - Sorry to heard that you feel like you are alone and so glad you found the site. According to recent studies, nearly 60% of non-ADHD spouses report experiencing elevated stress due to the complexities of their relationship, with 1 in 4 experiencing symptoms of depression. So your questions is should you medicate yourself...Medication helps short term because it gives you some relief, but ultimately, improving your current situation is the long term plan. For me, I contemplated with divorce a few times...>>> on Forum topic - Non ADHD spouse, questioning if I should be on meds.
- by: honestly - Thank you, Melody. That means a lot. And I'm so sorry your partner was so actively nasty to your daughter. Mine at least is more usually inattentive rather than aggressive towards the kids. The worry is always what one is 'modelling' for a child, the assumption being that this is what they then go on to repeat in their own relationships. But maybe it can equally be that they react against it, are alert to the dysfunction, and will go on to refuse to accept it for themselves. I see hints of this in both my...>>> on Forum topic - The Effect on Kids of Inattentive ADHD in Parent
- by: honestly - Thank you Swedish. I am watching him and the kids interact at the moment - we also have a daughter- and it's fascinating to see how she differs from her brother in this. He was mystified and quietly eroded by it; she is just laser-like in her understanding of her father and the situation. And far less patient than me. I think she as a daughter is more like how ADHD spouses are often characterised than I am myself. Impatient, explosive, taking tasks off him because she can't bear to watch them done half-...>>> on Forum topic - The Effect on Kids of Inattentive ADHD in Parent
- by: saudade - You shouldn`t feel guilty at all, you should be proud, that you managed to come out of the situation. Women like you are my hope. I hope to find that strengh like you did.... With my ex partner I also didn´t have a real breakup, like that "classical" closure ( and I would need that so much!). We went appart after a rage meltdown. I feel like living in a limbo and I hope one day I can speak with him to have an adult, mature conversation, honest and open and go out of this limbo. I´m happy you found...>>> on Forum topic - I’m ashamed to say..