Write an article based on this "Be understanding during conversations. Validate your boyfriend's needs. Avoid parenting your partner. Encourage your boyfriend to get the right treatment. Attend support groups together."
Your boyfriend may have trouble understanding the flow of conversations. He may request reminders on occasion, saying things like, "Could you repeat that?" Try to be patient and understanding. If your boyfriend is having trouble following you, it does not mean he does not value you. Due to his ADHD, he may struggle to pay attention in conversation. The fact that he's asking you for clarification or to repeat things does not mean he's not listening. In fact, it means the opposite. Even while he's having trouble keeping up with the conversation, he's trying to make sure you feel heard. When your partner is expressing something, listen. Oftentimes, people may have an inclination to blame any disagreement on ADD/ADHD, but this is not the case. Doing so could make your boyfriend feel his feelings are not important. You do not have to agree with everything your partner says and does. You simply need to listen and understand. If your partner is feeling an emotion, don't say, "That's just your ADD." It may not be. Ask him to open up more about his emotion. Try something like, "Why do you think you're feeling that way?" One of the biggest challenges in a relationship with one ADHD partner is the tendency of the other partner to take charge. Because it can be hard for someone with ADHD to manage time and stay organized and focused, the non-ADHD person may feel it's easier to take charge. But this can lead to resentment and stress. Use "I" statements to communicate your feelings. Tell your partner how you're feeling in a way that takes responsibility for your own reactions. These types of statements do not blame your partner. For example, say, "I feel like I've got more on my plate than I can handle right now. Would you be able to take the car to the mechanic?" Stop nagging your boyfriend. Instead, focus on communicating positively and optimistically. Recognize that it takes time to develop strategies to manage ADHD, and that your boyfriend is working on it. The process to getting treatment can be long and frustrating. You have to try many different types of drugs and make a variety of lifestyle changes before you find treatment that works. Support and encourage your boyfriend throughout his journey to better health. Adults with ADHD generally benefit from psychotherapy. This treatment helps individuals accept who they are, while at the same time helps them seek improvements to their situation. Cognitive behavioral therapy directly geared toward treating ADHD has been useful for many patients. This type of therapy addresses some of the core problems caused by ADHD, such as time management and organizational issues. While you can't take medication or make appointments for him, support his efforts to do so. If he needs help organizing his pills, or remembering when to meet with his doctor, leave him reminders. Have patience, and encourage him to have patience. It may take a while to find the right treatment, but the benefits will be worth the struggle. There are many support groups for couples with mental illness. If your boyfriend has ADD or ADHD, check to see if there are any support groups offered at a local mental health center or hospital. If you can't find support groups in your area, try looking for support groups online.