#171 ADHD & Friendships: Why It’s So Hard & What Actually Helps episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 22, 2026 · 46 MIN

#171 ADHD & Friendships: Why It’s So Hard & What Actually Helps

from Navigating Adult ADHD · host Xena Jones

In this episode, we’re unpacking why friendships can feel so hard for ADHDers, from forgetting to reply & losing track of time, to rejection sensitivity, masking, emotional dysregulation & the dreaded doom spiral.We’ll explore:• Why caring about someone & initiating contact are not the same skill• How ADHD can make small friendship wobbles feel like full-blown rejection• Why your brain might turn one painful moment into “they don’t care about me”• The role of RSD, emotional dysregulation & masking in friendship struggles• Why not every friendship needs to be saved, but some may be worth repairing• Simple scripts for reconnecting, repairing & being honest without over-explainingThis episode is not about becoming a perfect friend. It’s about understanding your brain, checking the story before you act from it & remembering that one tiny honest message can reopen a door you thought was closed.Also check out episode #23 ADHD & friendships FOR MORE GOOD SH*T...*Join Adulting with ADHD your ADHD toolbox & everything you need to work with your brain*Get our ADHD Coach in your pocket! + the ADHD Goal Setting Workbook (life planner tool)*12 Things I wished my Doctor had told me about Adult ADHD*Find out if you might be living with ADHD - Download Symptoms List*Check out Courses & Coaching with Xena*Learn, Inspire, Share & Connect inside our Facebook Community *Come hang out with me on Instagram!

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jun 22, 2026

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In this episode, we’re unpacking why friendships can feel so hard for ADHDers, from forgetting to reply & losing track of time, to rejection sensitivity, masking, emotional dysregulation & the dreaded doom spiral. We’ll explore: • Why caring about someone & initiating contact are not the same skill • How ADHD can make small friendship wobbles feel like full-blown rejection • Why your brain might turn one painful moment into “they don’t care about me” • The role of RSD, emotional...

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#171 ADHD & Friendships: Why It’s So Hard & What Actually Helps

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