September 24, 2025

ADHD and Friendship: The Truth Nobody Talks About

40 minutes

Ever feel surrounded by people yet rarely truly seen?

If friendships feel complicated, imbalanced, or oddly exhausting, in this episode we’ll unpack why ADHD can make connection harder—especially for high-achieving women who’ve masked for years and can’t figure out why friends drift or dynamics feel one-sided.

By the end, you’ll walk away with…

• Language to name what’s been happening in your friendships

• A clearer understanding of why it isn’t “just you”

• Practical starting points to cultivate authentic, reciprocal connection—without over-giving or masking

Mentioned in the episode:

Ready to do the deeper inner work that makes healthy friendships possible? Explore The Self-Loved ADHD Woman Way: How to Stop Playing Small—a beautiful journal-book experience with practices, prompts, and gentle nervous-system sensory tools to help you reconnect with your authentic self.

Check it out here at: https://jenbarnes.org/stop-playing-small/

—CHAPTERS—

00:00 Introduction: The Struggles of ADHD Women in Friendships

00:39 Host Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:16 Personal Experiences with ADHD and Friendships

03:00 Challenges Faced by ADHD Women in Friendships

06:55 The Impact of ADHD on Social Interactions

19:43 Maintaining Friendships with ADHD

30:16 Strategies for Building Authentic Friendships

37:49 Conclusion and Additional Resources

✨ If you found this episode helpful…

Please follow, subscribe, and share it with another ADHD woman who needs support!

💛 Connect with me on social media!

Youtube: @Jenbarnes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenbarneslicsw/

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal health or medical advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice or psychotherapy.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency please contact emergency services in your area. If you are in the USA, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis line or 911 for a medical emergency.

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