Social Awareness

Gently Helping an Awkward Friend

Which wording is best if you wonder whether your friend struggles with attention, impulse control, anxiety, or social cues?

The situation

You notice a friend's social habit is making an interaction awkward. You are unsure whether or how to mention it.

Which wording is best if you wonder whether your friend struggles with attention, impulse control, anxiety, or social cues?

A. You must have ADHD or be on the spectrum.B. There may be a reason this is hard to notice. Would it help if I quietly signal you next time?C. Something is wrong with you.D. I diagnosed the problem, so listen to me.

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Another perspective

When people keep telling you your opinion is wrong

Whenever you share an opinion or belief, some people argue, tell you that you are wrong or judge your character. Sometimes they give a reason; other times they simply dismiss you. You start doubting yourself, but you also do not want to become someone who refuses to learn. How can you tell whether your view is reasonable without needing everyone to approve of it?

When a work call makes your day off feel unsafe

Your manager calls without warning in the evenings, at weekends and even during your holiday. Sometimes they shout or blame you before you can explain. Even on days when nobody calls, you keep checking your phone and worry about what might happen if you miss it. You struggle to enjoy time with family, feel tense when your phone rings and find it difficult to switch off. Someone says, 'It is only a short phone call. Why let it spoil your whole day?'

Always available: when work takes over your life

Your job regularly spills into evenings and weekends. You are expected to answer messages at any time, even during meals or time off. You feel guilty switching off, sleep poorly, struggle to concentrate and feel increasingly irritable and exhausted. A colleague says, 'Everyone works like this. Your body will get used to it.' You wonder how long you can keep going before you burn out.

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