Episode 233: Neurodivergence and Friendship: The Struggle is Real - Patricia Young

I talk about the challenges and complexities of friendships for neurodivergent folks, and the changing nature of friendships, the importance of reciprocity and communication. I discuss navigating difficult conversations, recognizing and addressing needs, and setting boundaries. I talk about the tendency to feel central in someone’s life, and the challenges of accepting neurodivergence in relationships. I explore the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and honoring one’s own needs in relationships.

HIGHLIGHTS

Takeaways

Not all friendships are meant to last forever, and it’s important to recognize that friendships come and go.
Communication and reciprocity are key in maintaining healthy relationships.
Navigating difficult conversations and setting boundaries is essential for personal growth and maintaining healthy relationships.
Recognizing and honoring one’s own needs is crucial in navigating relationships.
Understanding and accepting neurodivergence in relationships can be challenging but necessary for fostering understanding and connection.

Other Insights:

Insights on building relationships based on emotional intelligence.
Strategies for holding space for feelings in friendships.
Importance of rupture and repair in relationships.
The significance of taking space in challenging relationships.
Communication dynamics in maintaining connections.
Evaluation of relationship importance in personal growth.
Practices for healing and growth within relationships.
Challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in friendships.
Strategies for navigating friendship complexities.
Understanding the impact of neurodiversity on relationships.
Coping mechanisms like rage writing for emotional processing.
Recognition that not all friendships are lifelong.
Quick connection and oversharing tendencies in relationships.
Awareness of assumptions about closeness in friendships.
Identifying personal values in seeking friendships.
Reflection on reasons for leaving relationships.
Difficulties in maintaining friendships for neurodivergent individuals.
Exploration of evolving friendships with neurodivergent needs.
Insights into the dynamics of neurodivergent friendships.
Understanding the complexities of neurodiversity in relationships.

Chapters (please adjust for the addition of the introduction)

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

00:55 Challenges in Making and Keeping Friendships

02:02 The Changing Nature of Friendships

03:35 Reciprocity and Communication in Relationships

04:58 Recognizing the Lack of Reciprocity

05:58 Testing Relationships and Making Assumptions

06:56 Navigating Difficult Conversations

08:05 Recognizing and Addressing Needs in Relationships

09:21 Dealing with Resentment and Setting Boundaries

10:24 Navigating Relationships During Tragedy

11:44 Feeling Central in Someone’s Life

12:41 Recognizing Support Systems in Relationships

13:40 Navigating Relationships with Different Perspectives

16:00 Missteps and Room for Growth in Relationships

17:21 Challenges in Accepting Neurodivergence in Relationships

18:52 Understanding the Nuances of Autism and ADHD

20:16 Navigating Relationships with Limited Understanding

21:43 Setting Boundaries and Ending Relationships

23:13 Processing Grief and Emotions in Relationships

24:21 Having Vulnerable Conversations with Loved Ones

25:46 Navigating Emotional Needs and Connection

27:30 Recognizing and Honoring Personal Needs

29:32 Navigating Decision-Making and Overwhelm

31:30 Communicating Needs and Boundaries in Relationships

33:34 Navigating Overwhelm and Self-Judgment

35:19 Summary and Closing Remarks

PODCAST HOST

Patricia was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it’s like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren’t alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you

HIGHLIGHTS

PODCAST HOST

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