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How ADHD Adults Can Make New Friends (And Keep the Old)

Building and maintaining friendships is tough, especially for ADD adults who lack social and time-management skills. Find tips and techniques for being social, maintaining friendships, and re-connecting with long-lost friends here.

 
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Pick the Right Activities

Engage in the social activities you enjoy the most (or dislike the least). Movies, concerts, and other outings that require little conversation are less draining than parties, dinners, and other conversation-heavy activities. Vigorous sports, including tennis, racquetball, basketball, and aerobics classes, allow for even less talk, and also give you the opportunity to get some exercise. Next time you’re headed to a step aerobics class, invite a friend!

When you do go out to dinner, an informal, buffet-style arrangement may be a better choice than a sit-down meal, where sustained conversation is expected. A buffet setting gives hyperactive types a chance to get up frequently and lets inattentive types take breaks to "regroup" before rejoining the conversation.

Keep Things Simple

Social events don't have to be elaborate affairs. How about hosting a potluck dinner? Or meeting friends at a coffee shop, taking a walk around the neighborhood together, or simply inviting them over to watch TV with you?

There's also nothing wrong with asking a friend to come along when you have to go to the grocery store or car repair shop. Doing two things at once is an ADHD strength -- if you're short on time, call a friend while attending to something else on your to-do list like doing dishes, walking to an errand, or even commuting on a bus or train to work.

Plan a breakfast or lunch with friends. You need to eat anyway, so why not invite an old friend along to the restaurant?

Next: Prioritize Staying In Touch...

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