If you have an ADD brain, it's always working. Ideas are popping up like dandelions after a fresh summer rain, and as with a well-kept lawn, you need a way to get rid of them. You need to clear your mind. So, you want to talk. And it doesn't have to be anyone in particular. You can talk to a trusted friend, or a stranger, but there are times when you just belabor a point until the person is ready to fall asleep, even if they understand it's your ADD doing the talking.



You aren't terribly aware of how you're making the other person feel, though. Your ADD is going to make you keep talking and talking, even when you're done saying what you wanted to say. But unless you're talking to a friend or relation who understands your ADD, they don't' realize that unless you get your mouth in motion, your brain is going to explode. You need an outlet, a way to make all the ideas find their way out.

However, communication means that you exchange ideas with other people. They have to be allowed to chime in now and then, or they lose interest fast because what you're doing is lecturing. There is no exchange, and depending on the person you've chosen to talk to, they may or may not understand what you're talking about. I mean, some people just aren't as smart as you are and if you're explaining something technical, they may not get it at all. They'll tune out in about thirty seconds, and then, their eyes will glaze over. After that, they'll either fall asleep or make excuses to get away, if you let them.

But how can you change this behavior in yourself and in others?

Go someplace where no one else can hear you and talk to yourself. It's just a way to dump all the bazillion ideas in your head and to help you to feel better. Not only that, but you'll be able to clarify and streamline your thinking so that when you do present your idea to someone else, you can be more to the point. But even then, let people have a way out. If you think they look bored, they probably are, so ask them, "Do you want me to stop right now?" And if they agree that they do, don't be offended. It's just your ADD, and if you can let people do that, you'll be less likely to see them turn and go in the other direction when they see you coming.

You can't think of ADD as a curse, because it's far from that. ADD is a definite blessing. You're probably very intelligent, and you're creative and can come up with some very cool ideas, very quickly. But when you find yourself needing to get the ideas out of your head before it explodes, try talking to yourself for a while first. Or, if that seems too silly, then get some paper and write them out or type them into your computer. Whatever makes you feel better. Writing your ideas is a way to help you not to forget them, too, so that may be a great alternative. But just try to be a more considerate communicator. When you feel that someone's had enough, ask them, and allow them to politely bow out of the conversation. When people know that you're willing to do that, you'll have better listeners, too.