Honey, I'd like to understand it too - and I have it!

My husband doesn't understand it either - but he's been my best friend for nearly 12 years and most of the time he's just "there" for me and it makes all the difference in the world. I've only gotten diagnosed a few months ago.

What I'm saying is, a full understanding of what ADD/ADHD is not necessary to be successful in a relationship with a loved one who has it. If your boyfriend has stated that he wants you to understand the disorder better, that's one thing, but if not - it's okay. Go ahead and learn all you can for your sake, because it sounds like you're truly interested in the knowledge - but don't ever feel that just because you can't stand up and give an impressive lecture on what ADD is, what causes it, and how it works, that you can't be a good companion to someone who has it.

All my husband knows is that I bring more energy into his life than he could ever muster on his own, I have unexpected outbursts, I re-teach him how to appreciate simple things in life with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, and I'm quite the mess; but I'm his mess, and he loves me.
He knew I was "weird" before The Diagnosis. Now that there's a name for my "weirdness," still the only name he knows for it is (my name).

That's my little cent and a half, for what it's worth.