In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty delve into the complex topic of boundaries and toxic relationships, especially as they relate to individuals with ADHD. They explore the increased vulnerability of people with ADHD to manipulative and exploitative relationships due to factors such as poor working memory, low self-esteem, and a tendency to people-please. Ash and Dusty discuss how these traits can lead ADHD individuals to doubt their own recollections and trust others too easily, often placing them at risk for uneven power dynamics in their relationships.
The hosts also emphasize the importance of recognizing one’s own boundaries and the necessity of setting and maintaining them. They highlight the challenges that ADHD individuals face in centering themselves in their own experiences and understanding what is acceptable to them. Ash and Dusty stress the value of introspection and the role of coaching in helping individuals with ADHD develop a stronger sense of identity and purpose. They conclude by discussing the need for ongoing negotiation in relationships and propose a future episode dedicated to exploring Boundaries 101 for a more in-depth understanding of this crucial topic.
Episode links + resources:
For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: