Imagine your brain is like a super-busy bee, buzzing from one flower to another, never quite settling. Now, imagine trying to explain why that bee can’t just pick one flower and stick to it. That’s what it’s like trying to explain your ADHD brain sometimes!

You start to explain why you’re late, and suddenly you’re talking about how your sock drawer is organized by color, and maybe also by fabric type. It’s like your words are popcorn, popping faster than you can catch them!

But hey, your brain is just colorful and full of surprises, right? Let’s embrace our buzzing bee minds and share the wild flower fields they explore. Ready to chat about your bee adventures?

Once upon a sunny afternoon, Sammy, a sprightly squirrel with sparkly eyes, was all set for his big moment: explaining to his forest friends why he loved acorns. But Sammy had a little quirk; he had ADHD and often found himself overexplaining every little detail.

As he started his tale, Sammy didn’t just talk about acorns. Oh no! He dove into the history of acorns, the different types of trees, and why autumn leaves were like nature’s confetti.

ADHD Overexplaining: Why You Share Every Detail & How to Feel Heard

His friends giggled as Sammy zigzagged through stories about squirrel ancestors and acorn cap hats. He described every crunch and twitch of his nose with bubbly enthusiasm. For Sammy, every detail was a treasure chest of fun facts, spilling over like a waterfall of words.

His friends, a patient bunch, nestled into the cozy grass. They loved Sammy’s tangents. Each leaf and twig became a star in the grand sky of his story. They knew this wasn’t just about acorns. It was a peek into Sammy’s whirling, twirling world.

In the bustling city of Thoughtopolis, Simon the squirrel was notorious for his elaborate tales. Whenever someone asked Simon why he was late, he wouldn’t just say, “I overslept.” Oh no, Simon would launch into a grand saga about the alarm clock that was set for PM instead of AM, the dream about being a pirate on the high seas which made him ignore the real world, and his sock that mysteriously disappeared, leading to a frantic search under the bed.

This was Simon’s way of navigating through life with his extra special brain wiring, often leading to what we call ‘ADHD overexplaining yourself’. It wasn’t just about being late; it was about sharing the adventure that led there.

Amidst his tales, Simon often wondered if his vibrant storytelling was just a mask for what many with ADHD experience, a constant battle against ADHD impostor syndrome, questioning the authenticity of his own narratives.

ADHD Communication Style: Why Your Brain Loves Sharing the Whole Story

Well, for Simon, every detail was a star in his night sky. Leaving one out felt like hiding the best part of the story. When he overexplained, it wasn’t just for his audience; it was how his brain enjoyed the replay, colorful and vibrant.

One day, while explaining why he had mismatched socks, a wise old owl interrupted him. “Simon,” she hooted thoughtfully, “Your stories are like fireworks—beautiful, but sometimes a simple sparkler is enough.”

Simon blinked, his little squirrel heart filled with a mix of surprise and recognition. Maybe, just maybe, he could try a sparkler instead of a full fireworks show next time. But oh, how he loved fireworks!

As the story of Charlie and his magic paintbrush came to a close, something wonderful happened. Charlie realized that even though his ADHD sometimes made him overexplain himself, his friends loved his colorful stories. They didn’t mind the extra details because it made their adventures together even more vibrant.

Charlie learned to appreciate his unique way of sharing. He saw it as adding extra shades and textures to a blank canvas, making everything around him more alive and interesting. His friends agreed, cherishing how he turned simple moments into unforgettable memories.

In that warm, accepting moment, Charlie also found comfort in knowing that despite often feeling like he had to perform to be productive, his genuine self was enough to make a lasting impact.

ADHD Self-Expression Tips: Turning Overexplaining Into Clear, Confident Sharing

One sunny afternoon, while painting a mural in the park, Charlie decided to embrace his natural storytelling style fully. He laughed, saying, “My brain is like this paintbrush, always adding new colors!”

His friends gathered around, each listening intently and watching his paintbrush dance across the canvas. They realized that Charlie’s detailed tales were like the strokes of his brush—each one important for the masterpiece.

As the sun set, the mural glowed with life, a perfect mix of chaos and harmony—much like Charlie’s explanations. In that moment, Charlie felt a warm sense of acceptance. He understood that his words, just like his art, had a special place in the world.

Charlie smiled, his heart full. “Maybe it’s not about talking less but sharing well,” he thought. His friends nodded, their smiles as bright as the painted sky above.

So, remember, like Charlie, your unique voice is your strength. Don’t hold back your colors; let them shine bright!

ADHD Overexplaining Checklist: From Popcorn Thoughts to Painted Clarity

  1. 🎈 Imagine you’re a balloon; don’t pop with too much air—keep your stories light and bouncy!

  2. 🧁 Treat your words like sprinkles on a cupcake—not too many, just enough to make it sweet!

  3. 🐢 Pretend you’re a cheerful turtle—take it slow, no need to race through every detail!

  4. 🎨 Think of your chat as a mini painting—not every inch needs color. Leave space for imagination!

ADHD Communication FAQs: How to Stop Overexplaining & Start Feeling Understood

What People Are Googling

Why do I overexplain things ADHD?

Absolutely, this is a common trait for many with ADHD! When you're sharing thoughts or explaining something, it may feel essential to include every detail to fully convey your message or to ensure you're thoroughly understood. This can also stem from past experiences of being misunderstood or not heard, prompting you to give as much context as possible. Remember, your thoroughness shows how deeply you care about clarity and communication, which is truly a strength, even if it feels a bit overwhelming at times.

How to stop overexplaining ADHD?

It's really common to feel like you need to overexplain your ADHD, especially when you're worried about being understood or not judged. A cozy tip is to remind yourself that it's okay to share just enough information to be clear and comfortable—no more, no less. You might find it helpful to practice some key phrases that feel true to you, like "I'm working through my ADHD traits in this situation," or "I might need a bit more time for tasks, thanks for your patience." Remember, your ADHD is just one part of your wonderfully unique self, and you get to choose how much you share about it.

Is overexplaining a symptom of ADHD?

Absolutely, overexplaining can indeed be a symptom of ADHD, and you're not alone if you find yourself doing it! Many folks with ADHD tend to dive into more details than might be deemed necessary, often because they want to ensure they are thoroughly understood, or because all the details feel equally important. It’s also a way to counteract past experiences where they might have been misunderstood. So, if you find yourself in the midst of a detailed explanation, remember it’s just a part of how your unique brain shares information with the world!

ADHD overexplaining in relationships, why?

Ah, the tendency to overexplain in relationships when you have ADHD is actually pretty common! It often stems from a desire to make sure you're thoroughly understood, especially when past experiences might have left you feeling misinterpreted or dismissed. This overcommunication can be your way of trying to connect deeply and ensure clarity. It’s really just about making sure your thoughts and feelings are accurately conveyed, which is totally understandable. Remember, your thoroughness shows how much you care about understanding and being understood by others.

Techniques to reduce ADHD overexplaining at work?

Ah, overexplaining can indeed be a bit of a hurdle when you've got ADHD, can't it? One helpful technique is to prepare a brief outline or key points before meetings or conversations. This can keep your thoughts organized and your explanations concise. Another useful strategy is to pause regularly, allowing others to ask questions or contribute; this not only makes interactions more collaborative but also gives you a moment to re-center. And remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be too hard on yourself as you refine your skills!

Practical FAQs

What is ADHD overexplaining yourself and why does it happen?

ADHD overexplaining is when someone with ADHD feels compelled to provide more details or reasoning than might typically be expected. This often happens because individuals with ADHD might worry about being misunderstood or not taken seriously, so they try to cover all bases to ensure their point is clear. Additionally, the ADHD brain tends to make lots of connections and thinks about things deeply and extensively, which can lead to the sharing of all those thoughts in conversation. It's really just a way of making sure they're fully expressing themselves and being understood, though it can sometimes feel overwhelming.

How can ADHD overexplaining yourself affect personal relationships?

When you have ADHD, you might find yourself overexplaining your thoughts or actions to make sure you're completely understood, which stems from worries about being misinterpreted. This can sometimes make conversations feel a bit overwhelming or exhausting for others, as they might receive more information than they feel they need. It's important to recognize and appreciate your desire for clarity and thoroughness—it shows your care for the relationship! Practicing mindfulness about when and how much to explain can help maintain a comfortable balance in conversations, keeping connections strong and enjoyable.

Are there strategies to manage ADHD overexplaining yourself in professional settings?

Absolutely, managing the tendency to overexplain in professional settings is a common goal for many with ADHD, and there are some practical strategies you can try. One effective method is to prepare and practice key points you want to convey ahead of time, which can help keep your explanations concise and focused. Another helpful tip is to pause after making a main point, allowing others the opportunity to ask questions or contribute, which naturally limits the length of your response. Lastly, seeking feedback from trusted colleagues can also provide insights into your communication style and help you refine it over time. With practice and patience, you'll likely find it gets easier to keep your explanations just right!

Can therapy help with ADHD overexplaining yourself?

Absolutely, therapy can be a wonderful resource in managing ADHD-related behaviors like overexplaining! Working with a therapist, particularly one who understands ADHD, can help you explore the roots of why you might feel the need to overexplain. They can offer strategies to help you communicate more effectively and confidently. Plus, therapy provides a supportive space to practice new skills and gain feedback in a comfortable, non-judgmental setting.

What role does anxiety play in ADHD overexplaining yourself?

Anxiety often plays a significant role when it comes to overexplaining in ADHD. This might happen because you're worried about being misunderstood or not being believed, so you feel compelled to provide more details than necessary. Think of it like your mind trying to cover all bases to avoid any confusion or conflict. Remember, it's perfectly okay to give yourself permission to share just enough information without overloading your listener or yourself.

Curious ADHD Questions

Why do I find myself ADHD overexplaining yourself at coffee shops?

It's completely natural to find yourself over-explaining things sometimes, especially in social settings like coffee shops. When you have ADHD, your brain often tries to communicate many thoughts all at once, and this can lead to giving more details than necessary to make sure you are understood. Remember, this is just part of your unique way of processing and sharing information. Next time you catch yourself doing it, gently remind yourself to pause, breathe, and perhaps enjoy a sip of your coffee—it's all okay!

How can ADHD overexplaining yourself be a superpower at work?

Absolutely, overexplaining, which is often seen in those of us with ADHD, can definitely be a superpower in the workplace! This trait allows us to provide thorough explanations and details that others might overlook, ensuring clarity and comprehensive understanding. It's like we’re naturally equipped to anticipate questions and fill in the gaps before they even arise, which can be incredibly valuable in tasks that require detailed documentation, training new team members, or managing complex projects. So, while it might feel a bit much at times, your knack for giving detailed explanations can truly be an asset, helping to enhance communication and reduce misunderstandings in your team!

Is there an emotional side to ADHD overexplaining yourself during arguments?

Absolutely, there's a significant emotional dimension to why someone with ADHD might overexplain themselves during arguments. This often stems from a deep need to be understood and a fear of being misinterpreted, which is common among individuals with ADHD. Overexplaining can also be a way to ensure that every aspect of your thoughts and feelings is communicated, trying to cover all bases to prevent conflict or miscommunication. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to be thorough in expressing yourself; it's part of making sure your voice is heard and understood.

Can ADHD overexplaining yourself affect relationships?

Absolutely, it's quite common for individuals with ADHD to find themselves overexplaining in conversations. This can sometimes affect relationships, as friends or partners might feel overwhelmed or find it hard to keep up with the flood of details. It’s really important to remember that this is just a part of how your brain uniquely functions, and it’s okay. Open communication about your needs and how you express yourself can help build understanding and patience between you and your loved ones.

Want to Check Yourself?

Do you think you might be experiencing 'ADHD overexplaining yourself'?

Absolutely, overexplaining is a common experience for many people with ADHD! It often stems from a desire to make sure we're completely understood, due to past experiences of being misunderstood or dismissed. If you find yourself giving more details than might be necessary, try not to be too hard on yourself. Remember, this is just another facet of your unique way of processing and sharing information, and it's okay to gently work on more concise communication if you feel it's important to you.

Explore More in This Series

Trusted ADHD Resources

Here are some ADHD resources from reputable organizations:

Written by our research team from QuirkyLabs.ai
Alex builds ADHD-friendly productivity tools with stories, science, and squirrels.
Learn more →