I have deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although treatment is helping me, I need to improve my social skills. How do I explain my behavior to those I have offended?
by Ari Tuckman
We make assumptions about people’s intentions based on their actions, and ADHD actions are often misinterpreted by others -- even friends. Correct those mistaken assumptions by making clear what your intentions were, even if they weren’t obvious.
If you lose track of what your friend was saying, you might apologize and say, “I’m sorry, I think I drifted off. I was caught up in what you said and missed what you said later. I do that sometimes when I hear an interesting thought.”
This corrects what the other person may think (you weren’t interested in what she was saying). Your job is to replace incorrect assumptions with explanations.