Episode #309: ADHD & Friendship, Part 1: Red Flags, Green Flags, and How to Make Real Connections

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Kristen Carder

About This Episode

Friendship as an adult is hard—and when you have ADHD, it can feel almost impossible.The impulsivity, the overthinking, the struggle to set boundaries or trust your gut… it’s a lot. But you can build strong, supportive friendships—and it starts with knowing what to look for (and what to avoid).

In Part 1 of this two-part series, we’re breaking down:

  1. Why friendships can be uniquely challenging for ADHDers
  2. How to recognize red flags before you waste time on the wrong people
  3. What green flags to look for in a healthy, balanced friendship
  4. How to make new friends as an adult (without it feeling totally overwhelming)
  5. Why it’s important to go slow and avoid the overshare/overinvest spiral

You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what makes relationships feel safe and energizing—and how to stop settling for less than you deserve.

???? Don’t miss Part 2 next week, where we’ll dive into how to actually GO OUT AND FIND FRIENDS!

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Hi, I’m Kristen Carder—ADHD expert, podcast host, and certified coach who’s been exactly where you are. Diagnosed at 21, I spent years cycling through planners, courses, and systems that never quite worked. Everything changed when I discovered the power of understanding my ADHD brain and the transformative impact of community support.

Now, after 15+ years of research and experience, I’ve helped thousands of adults with ADHD thrive. I’m here to show you how understanding your brain can transform your life, just like it did for mine.

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