Splitting Household Chores Fairly When One (or Both) of You Has ADHD
How to split chores so one partner isn’t the household manager: ownership instead of “helping,” visible systems and a weekly check-in.
ADHD and Friendships: Staying in Touch Without the Guilt
Forgetting to reply and losing touch are common with ADHD. Simple ways to keep friendships going: reminders, standing plans and low-pressure check-ins.
I Post About ADHD··3 min read
Photo: Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
The short version
- “Out of sight, out of mind” can affect friendships too, without meaning you care less.
- Standing plans and simple reminders keep friendships going with less effort.
- Honest, low-pressure messages repair long silences.
Many people with ADHD love their friends deeply and still go months without replying. Messages get read and forgotten. Plans slip. Then guilt makes it harder to reach out.
Systems that keep friendships going
- Standing plans: a monthly dinner, a weekly walk or a recurring video call. No planning required each time.
- Reply later reminders: many messaging apps let you set a reminder on a message.
- A friends list: a note with people you want to keep in touch with, checked monthly.
- Voice notes: often easier than typing a long message.
- Parallel activities: doing something together, like a class or gym session, where showing up is the plan.
Repairing a long silence
Keep it simple and warm:
“Hey! I’ve been terrible at replying lately, but I was thinking about you. How are you?”
No long apology needed. Most good friends are just glad to hear from you.
Be honest with close friends
Telling friends “I’m bad at texting back, but I care” can take pressure off both sides.
Friendships don’t need daily contact. They need you to come back.
Try it: Done ListA simple list of things you’ve finished today, because ADHD brains often forget their wins.
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This article is for education and organization, not medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer and editorial policy.
