| Copyright (c) 2007 Jennifer Koretsky | | | | Deborah's chronic lateness. He declared an AIS (A$$ |
| I've seen some interesting news articles recently about | | | | in Seat) time; if your a$$ is not sitting in the car by this |
| adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and the | | | | time, I'm leaving without you! |
| increased stress that it causes in romantic relationships. | | | | Now, I don't advocate leaving without your partner, but |
| If you or your partner has ADD, then you know how | | | | I do think that AIS times are very helpful for ADDers. If |
| very true that is! | | | | you and your partner have a dinner date, then your |
| Relationships require hard work to begin with, and | | | | AIS time is the absolute latest time that your a$$ need |
| when you add adult ADD to the mix things only | | | | to be in the car in order to get to the restaurant on |
| become more complicated. | | | | time for your reservation. You can then work |
| Here are a few tips that you can use in your | | | | backwards from the the AIS time to determine how |
| relationship to help keep your ADD from causing | | | | much time you need to get ready, and what you may |
| excess stress and problems. We use these strategies | | | | or may not have time to do before you leave. |
| in my house, so my non-ADD partner and I have | | | | It's best to let the non-ADD partner (if there is one) set |
| tested and approved each of these tips! | | | | the AIS! |
| Power Hours Help Create Balance | | | | Take Care of Yourself |
| Rather than stressing about all the household chores, | | | | Your ADD (and thus your impulsivity, irritability, |
| try using "power hours." When the house is a mess | | | | disorganization, etc.) becomes more challenging when |
| and it's driving you nuts, set a timer for an hour, split up, | | | | your stress levels are high. When your stress levels |
| and do as much cleaning and organizing as you can. | | | | are high, your ADD is worse, your partner becomes |
| On the weekend, when there is more to be done and | | | | more annoyed, and your relationship suffers. |
| more time to do it, set the timer for a couple of hours. | | | | Recognize the fact that when you put yourself first, |
| Once the time is up, relax! Don't be tempted to keep | | | | get your own needs met, and allow yourself time to |
| going. Pat yourselves on the back for accomplishing | | | | relax, your relationship benefits. This applies to both |
| what you did and then enjoy some down time | | | | ADD and non-ADD partners. |
| together. | | | | Relationships, like individuals, are always a work in |
| Use the AIS Rule | | | | progress. Small, positive steps can have tremendously |
| There was an episode of Everybody Loves | | | | positive effects. |
| Raymond in which Ray became frustrated with | | | | |