Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share ADHD IS | Misinterpreted - The Hidden Social Rules ADHD Women Keep Bumping Into
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
ADHD IS | Misinterpreted - The Hidden Social Rules ADHD Women Keep Bumping Into
In this raw, funny and deeply validating episode, Linda breaks down the invisible social rules that neurodivergent women constantly trip over.
This is not because we’re “wrong,” but because the world communicates in coded language we were never handed the manual for.
From “We should meet for coffee” (which often means please leave me alone) to “That’s so interesting” (which usually means I’m not interested at all).
Linda unpacks the hidden meanings behind everyday phrases and how they impact ADHDers in friendships, business and networking.
She also dives into the emotional fallout of being misunderstood, the lack of grace many ADHD women experience post‑diagnosis and the power of gamifying daily routines to create stability and self‑trust.
This episode is equal parts truth‑telling, humour and empowerment.
A must‑listen for ADHD women, creatives and entrepreneurs.
Be part of an amazing group of people within The Small Steps Accountability Circle
https://thehabitboss.com/smallstepscircle
Grab tickets to the Take Space Event
https://thehabitboss.com/take-space-event
10 Key Takeaways
Neurotypical language is coded and ADHDers take things literally
“I thought it meant honk if you like pizza… I just like pizza.” Literal interpretation isn’t a flaw, it’s a different operating system.
2. “We should meet for coffee” is often a polite exit, not an invitation
If they don’t set the time and date… they don’t want to meet you for coffee.” This misunderstanding affects networking, collaborations and client relationships.
3. “We’ll see” = No (and ADHD brains prefer direct honesty)
“We’ll see is usually no… just say no.” Clarity is kindness — especially for neurodivergent people.
4. ADHD women value truth over politeness
We’re not rude, we’re efficient communicators who thrive on transparency.
5. Social cues are confusing, but patterns are obvious
“We cannot read social cues… but we can see a pattern a mile off.” ADHD intuition is powerful.
6. Post‑diagnosis, many ADHD women receive less grace, not more
“The amount of people who have just given me less grace… unbelievable.” This is a common and painful experience.
7. Masking hides our needs, unmasking reveals who supports us
You learn quickly who can hold space for your real self.
8. Emotional safety determines connection
If someone repeatedly dismisses your perspective, your nervous system stops trusting them.
9. ADHD opinions are often misinterpreted as criticism
Even when you’re simply expressing your own preference, people can take it personally.
10. Gamifying routines is a powerful ADHD life hack
“I have a reset I do every morning… it takes five or ten minutes.” Small, structured rituals reduce overwhelm and create momentum.
View all episodes
By Linda Monahan
5
22 ratings
In this raw, funny and deeply validating episode, Linda breaks down the invisible social rules that neurodivergent women constantly trip over.
This is not because we’re “wrong,” but because the world communicates in coded language we were never handed the manual for.
From “We should meet for coffee” (which often means please leave me alone) to “That’s so interesting” (which usually means I’m not interested at all).
Linda unpacks the hidden meanings behind everyday phrases and how they impact ADHDers in friendships, business and networking.
She also dives into the emotional fallout of being misunderstood, the lack of grace many ADHD women experience post‑diagnosis and the power of gamifying daily routines to create stability and self‑trust.
This episode is equal parts truth‑telling, humour and empowerment.
A must‑listen for ADHD women, creatives and entrepreneurs.
Be part of an amazing group of people within The Small Steps Accountability Circle
https://thehabitboss.com/smallstepscircle
Grab tickets to the Take Space Event
https://thehabitboss.com/take-space-event
10 Key Takeaways
Neurotypical language is coded and ADHDers take things literally
“I thought it meant honk if you like pizza… I just like pizza.” Literal interpretation isn’t a flaw, it’s a different operating system.
2. “We should meet for coffee” is often a polite exit, not an invitation
If they don’t set the time and date… they don’t want to meet you for coffee.” This misunderstanding affects networking, collaborations and client relationships.
3. “We’ll see” = No (and ADHD brains prefer direct honesty)
“We’ll see is usually no… just say no.” Clarity is kindness — especially for neurodivergent people.
4. ADHD women value truth over politeness
We’re not rude, we’re efficient communicators who thrive on transparency.
5. Social cues are confusing, but patterns are obvious
“We cannot read social cues… but we can see a pattern a mile off.” ADHD intuition is powerful.
6. Post‑diagnosis, many ADHD women receive less grace, not more
“The amount of people who have just given me less grace… unbelievable.” This is a common and painful experience.
7. Masking hides our needs, unmasking reveals who supports us
You learn quickly who can hold space for your real self.
8. Emotional safety determines connection
If someone repeatedly dismisses your perspective, your nervous system stops trusting them.
9. ADHD opinions are often misinterpreted as criticism
Even when you’re simply expressing your own preference, people can take it personally.
10. Gamifying routines is a powerful ADHD life hack
“I have a reset I do every morning… it takes five or ten minutes.” Small, structured rituals reduce overwhelm and create momentum.