Okay, I blew it, again.

Canadian Eh.D.D.er

 

I did an interview on the HealthyPlace Mental Health Radio Show about having Adult ADHD. That’s good. I remembered to call in on time, still good. I spoke clearly and concisely with just a few ummm’s and aaaah’s, and I answered all the questions; good, good, good.

Then it Happened

But then, at 12 minutes and 58 seconds in, I opened my mouth and said “…but I know quite a few people with ADHD, and I know so many of them who would give anything to not be.”

Why did I say that?

I mean, why would I presume to speak for people who can speak for themselves? And why would I presume to know how they feel about their ADHD?

The truth is that I believe I am somewhat intuitive. People with ADHD often are. I believe this is because our minds move so quickly that we pick up and file little bits of info, small insights, and use them to build informational constructs that, as valid as they might be, cannot be justified solely by the conversation or interaction that produced them.

And I get the “impression” that my ADHD friends are unhappy about their disorder – often. It’s hard enough to censor out the inappropriate and the irrelevant from conversations. It’s harder still not to say what you believe to be true in a conversation where that possible truth fits.

So I slipped. I feel bad, ill, like I was caught gossiping by the person I was gossiping about.

Forgive me, I didn’t mean to presume.

So I’m asking once again, can you consider from whence this statement came and find it in your hearts to forgive me? I know this isn’t the last time I’ll be asking, not the last time I’ll be saying “sorry.”

But I am recognizing my faux pas, and owning it. I’m not making excuses, just defining circumstances.

And let’s face facts here. If I had been interviewed because I am someone who never blurted out anything impulsive, inappropriate or just plain wrong, then I would not have been interviewed for a segment called “Living with Adult ADHD,” and we wouldn’t be having this conversation. But I wasn’t and I’m not and it was and we are.

So I am asking forgiveness. I’m also accepting thank-yous. I did, after all, do an interview with the intention of personifying adult ADHD and bringing it to people who are unaware, or worse, in denial of ADHD and adult ADHD. That was my intention.

And I was invited to do this. That means I must be making enough noise to have gotten noticed in the first place.

So, to summarize, I’m sorry – and you’re welcome – and I’m glad we had this little talk. I feel much better … and I’m sorry, did I mention that?

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