ADHDifference - SMALL TALK

ADHDifference

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss ‘small talk’ and ADHD – why is it so annoying and how can we it.

They chat about why small talk seems at times painful when, not long after the pleasantries are over, the conversation doesn’t progress. Why is small talk frustrating? How can small talk become big talk? What soft strategies can be used to ‘survive’ small talk when needed?

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Small talk, pleasantries, water-cooler talk and shallow conversations.
• How ADHD, particularly dopamine deficiency, may have a direct impact our tolerance to small talk.
• Intelligent conversations, the entertainment factor, and high energy.
• Seeking interesting information through alternative, non-conversational interactions.
• Survival mechanisms for dealing with small talk.

Key takeaways:

• Small talk may be frustrating as it does not trigger interest, entertainment, pleasure, or ‘reward’ that ADHD dopamine deficient brains crave.
• Weighting the value of the relationship one has with another, may impact levels of frustration or expectations, when it comes to small talk.
• Finding a shared interest early in the conversation can help negate a ‘shallow’ conversation and therefore be a more fulfilling one.

Links:

Julie is the author of THE MISSING PIECE: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (Harper Collins, 2024).

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