"I have ADHD, and my partner found out that I was sending inappropriate e-mails to my ex-girlfriend. I feel awful, and I have apologized, but she's still mad. Any advice?"
by Melissa Orlov
Undermining a partner's trust -- by having an affair or lying about something important -- can damage your relationship for good.
The best way to help your non-ADHD partner forgive you isn't to rush her, but to acknowledge her hurt while letting her know that you're trying hard to avoid making the same mistake. In your case, this might include eliminating your ex-girlfriend from your e-mail contacts and Facebook Friends list, as well as promising your partner that you won't contact your ex again.
Telling your partner, however gently, to get over her feelings, only creates more hard feelings, because you are denying her pain. You're saying that her feelings about your indiscretion don’t matter as much as yours. Be patient and penitent.
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