my patient advice logo - used for header - mypatientadvice.co.uk
All Topics
Contact Us
Free Health Updates
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

How does forgetfulness from ADHD impact dating? 

PostedSeptember 30, 2025
UpdatedSeptember 30, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice

ADHD forgetfulness in relationships can cause unintentional hurt, even when the feelings are real and strong. Forgetting a birthday, missing a date or zoning out during a conversation can seem like carelessness to a partner. In truth, these are often linked to memory issues that are part of ADHD, not a lack of love or effort. 

Someone with ADHD forgetfulness in relationships may genuinely want to show up and stay connected but struggle to remember plans, conversations or emotional details. Over time, this can lead to emotional misunderstandings, where one partner feels neglected or unimportant even though that was never the intent. 

Test for ADHD today

How Forgetfulness Shows Up 

Missed dates or promises 

Even with good intentions, plans can fall through due to forgetfulness, creating disappointment. 

Zoning out during emotional moments 

Important conversations might be half-heard or forgotten, leaving the partner feeling unheard. 

Repeating mistakes 

The same forgetful patterns may repeat, which can frustrate both people in the relationship. 

Still, ADHD forgetfulness in relationships can be managed. With tools like reminders, open communication and patience on both sides, couples can find ways to stay close without letting memory gaps become emotional distance. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Social Relationships.

Test for ADHD today
Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

Let’s get started on something great

Sign Up for our FREE monthly medical updates. No spamming! Only the best content summary from the month on all medical topics

© 2025 My Patient Advice. All rights reserved.