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Old Aug 21, 2009, 12:28 PM
Wil-I-Am's Avatar
Wil-I-Am Wil-I-Am is offline
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Member Since: Aug 2009
Posts: 3
Hi,
I have ADHD and my wife also has to deal with me differently than anyone else.
Here are a few things she does for me to make our lives easier. I say our lives, because if she didn't do them, then there would be more arguments than a normal couple has.

1. Lists: If I have a list of things to do, I will do them. If I don't have a list, the things will more than likely not get done. Details are important based on how well he understands what it is that needs to be done.
For instance, my wife knows that putting the word coffee on my list means that I'll make sure the automatic coffee maker is full and ready to make coffee before we get up. However, when I have to make the childrens lunches, she will list what needs to go in their lunch bags, or I'll forget to put in drinks or something else equally important.

2. Routine: It usually takes me about 2 months of doing the same chore every day to make it a habit of mine. It only works if I have to do it every day, and if I am told at the same time, or it's on my list.
For instance, I now habitually make the coffee for the morning, as the last thing I do before I go to bed. Occasionally, I'll forget, but it has become a habit, and so it is almost always done.

3. Understanding and patience: It has taken many years for my wife to realize that just because I forgot to do something, it doesn't mean:
A)that I don't care about her
B)that I'm not lazy
C)that I'm not trying to argue or cause a disagreement
D)that it was NOT done on purpose and
E)that even if I try really really hard, I could remember

I have found that it is much less depressing on a personal level if I am not accused of the above, and a simple reminder (Once a day is best, but not as you are getting into bed, but when there is time for him to do something about it) is enough for me to remember, and fix my oversight.

I also find that reminding me of one thing at a time verbally is about all I can take. My wife will now wait until I've complted what I've forgotten before reminding me of something else I have forgotten. She may even make a list for me if there are more than two things I have to do.

I hope this helps.

Wil