Heart And Soul: Navigating Relationships With Dyslexia And ADHD

Do you ever feel like your friendships fall into a weird time warp, where months can slip away in a flash yet you still feel close to your mates? This is exactly what we explore in this podcast episode. Today, Stephen Martin sits down with the brilliant Andrée Kenny, and together they dive into the ups and downs of navigating friendships and relationships when you’re wired with dyslexia or ADHD.

If you’re the type who forgets to check in with loved ones, keep reading. You’ll learn why it’s not about caring any less, plus get insights on the benefits and challenges of dyslexia and ADHD in communication, emotional regulation, and choosing the right partner. This post is a warm, honest peek into how time blindness affects many adults with dyslexia and ADHD—and how we can thrive anyway.

If you want more on Dyslexia and Marriage go here.

Time Blindness: A Quirk of Neurodivergence

One of the first topics that crops up is time blindness. People with dyslexia or ADHD often have a unique relationship with time. When you’re in the moment, time zips by or drags on in funny ways. A two-month gap without speaking to a friend might feel like mere days in your mind.

Andrée shares how this can be tricky when life gets busy. It might seem you aren’t putting in the effort to keep friendships going, but it’s not that simple. In reality, you can be wildly committed and genuinely care, yet the sense of timing just isn’t there. The bond still feels strong, even if you haven’t talked in ages.

“We’ll go for weeks, even months, without contacting each other, but when we finally do, it’s like time never passed at all.”

Communication Challenges and Rapid-Fire Thoughts

Communication is another spotlight topic in the episode. Dyslexia and ADHD can transform a conversation into a mental obstacle course. Thoughts might race so much you stumble to articulate them—especially when emotions run high, or you’re under pressure to respond quickly.

It’s not that your ideas aren’t valuable. It’s more that words don’t always keep up with your brain. Once you realise this, you can use handy strategies: take a moment before speaking, jot down notes in your phone if your memory plays tricks, and find ways to share what’s on your mind without feeling rushed.

Emotional Regulation (a.k.a. Keeping Cool)

Ever find yourself overreacting to something that should’ve been a tiny deal? Dyslexia and ADHD can intensify emotional responses. An offhand comment might trigger a bigger emotional response than you’d like, leaving you (and others) perplexed about your reaction.

Don’t worry–you’re not alone. High emotional arousal is part of neurodiversity for many people. Recognising it is the first step toward calmer responses. Breaks help, too. Step away from an intense situation. Cool off with fresh air, a quick phone game, or a bit of solitude. When you re-enter, you’ll have a clearer perspective.

Choosing a Partner Who ‘Gets’ It

Having a partner who understands your quirks can make a huge difference. If they accept that you might go off on tangents or need extra time to cool down, it eases tension in the relationship. Andrée shares stories about how finding a compatible partner starts with matching values and life direction. A little patience and compassion go a long way.

Building a successful relationship doesn’t mean liking the same hobbies, though that’s nice. It’s about respecting each other’s needs. Spotting time blindness might irritate some partners, but not those who truly get your neurodivergent traits. A little understanding can build a rock-solid connection.

Actions to Strengthen Bonds

So how do we nurture healthy relationships even with dyslexia or ADHD quirks? Here are a few steps you can try:

• Send a short text every now and then, even if you can’t manage a lengthy chat.
• Set gentle reminders or alarms to check in with friends or family.
• Be open about your communication style and what helps you stay connected.
• Be patient with yourself if you react emotionally. A pause can help.
• Select future partners who respect and understand your unique wiring.

If you’re looking for professional guidance or want to learn more about ADHD and dyslexia, be sure to check out what Andrée Kenny is doing at andreekenny.com.

Key Takeaways

• Time blindness can make it feel like no time has passed, even if months slip by without contact.
• Thoughts can race, making communication a challenge. Taking a breath often helps.
• Emotional regulation can be hard, and a small pause can prevent huge blow-ups.
• Blocking out decompress time before making big decisions is a game changer.
• Finding a partner who embraces your neurodivergent traits is crucial.
• Shared values and life direction often matter more than having the same hobbies.

Interested in hearing more about the conversation? The player’s right at the top of this page. Give the episode a listen to get the full story. For extra resources, visit truthaboutdyslexia.com or join our supportive Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia. Listen, learn, and let us know what you think!