I was recently involved in a group led by somebody who exhibited several ADD characteristics. While this person is highly creative and intelligent he is also impulsive and a perfectionist. This person says what ever comes to his mind with out taking into consideration how his words actually affect others around him. Several members of this group including myself were quite upset by the way this man treated us.
I don’t think person’s intentions are to hurt other with his words. He just doesn’t realize how he is impacting those around him. This situation got me thinking about my own ADD and if I am truly aware how my ADD affects those around me. My words may not sting those around me like this person’s but I know I have other behaviors which affect people around me.
As negative as this recent experience was it has helped me to become more aware of my own behavior. Sometimes I, like many others with ADD, can forget that I don’t just live in my own little world. We are connected to the world around us.
Are you aware of how your ADD affects others?
