Your Guide to a Girls Trip at Walt Disney World

Chloe Lang
Apr 12, 2023
walt disney world

In my (slightly biased) opinion, Walt Disney World is one of the best destinations for a girls trip! With countless ways to spend your time, there is something for everyone, from thrill-seekers to sight-seers. After three years of living in the Magic Kingdom’s backyard and planning trips with my friends regularly, I’ve curated a perfect itinerary with just the right amount of pixie dust, relaxation, and spontaneity. Here are my tips on your must-see attractions, entertainment, food, and drinks for your next girls trip to Disney!

Something for everyone in the group chat

Image via Haley Sprankle

If you’re reuniting with your childhood besties, take this chance to embrace all the feels and plan a trip filled with childhood nostalgia! From waving to characters in the Festival of Fantasy parade, to enjoying popcorn and cotton candy on Main Street, USA — you’ll feel like a kid again!

Image via Chloe Lang

If your group is ready to celebrate all of their girlboss accomplishments from this year, grab a free Celebration button at one of the many gift shops and toast around the world at EPCOT. This is the perfect park to stroll, try different foods, and even see some Broadway stars or classic rock and roll bands perform.

College roommate is a huge Star Wars fan? Take the afternoon to go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Help the rebel spies in Rise of the Resistance, grab a blue milk, and say hi to the Stormtroopers on your way to steal some coaxium on the Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Relax Resort-Side

Image via Chloe Lang

If you want to enjoy the ambiance of Disney, but prefer something a little off the beaten path, explore one of the many resorts located on the Disney property. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness have to be my all-time favorite options for this. Cozying up fireside with a hot latte in the lobby followed by walking through the campsites at Fort Wilderness gives an excellent respite from the crowded parks. At Christmas and Halloween time, the campers go all-out with decorations and even do a golf-cart parade on the major holidays!

Image via Chloe Lang

You could also have a girls night out — Disney style! Get dolled up and grab a drink at Enchanted Rose, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort’s Beauty and the Beast-themed lounge. Or, enjoy tropical drinks at Trader Sam’s in Disney’s Polynesian Resort and make your way down to the beach for fireworks and the electrical water pageant afterwards! The Walt Disney World resort options are your oyster!

Make it even more Magical

Image via Chloe Williams

If you plan vacations the way I do — AKA mapping out every aspect ahead of time that I can — one of the best parts of a trip is picking out the fun little details! Take the magic into your own hands and consider the new, innovative ways you can connect with your friends and participate in your favorite stories. One of the best ways to do this is to "Disneybound!"

Disneybounding is a fun way to dress up like your favorite character or story without wearing a full costume. “Bound” as Honey Lemon from Big Hero 6 with pink sunglasses and a pastel yellow dress, or fly to Neverland as Wendy, with a pastel blue dress and a royal blue ribbon in your hair. While everyone can go as whichever character they want, you could also plan a group look! Go as a different emotion from Inside Out, or each dress as a different princess. Disney is a community in itself, so there’s no better place to lean into your imaginative inclinations around like-minded people.

Chloe Lang

Wendy Darling Disneybound for the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

Another classic, enchanting activity is pin trading throughout the parks. This is one of the oldest park traditions, dating back to October 1999! Grab a starter pack of pins at one of the merchandise shops, then trade with Cast Members all around — you never know what stories or facts you could learn, and what fun pins you might discover!

No matter where you are at Disney, nearly everything is Instagram-able, giving you the perfect opportunity for a photoshoot with friends. You can snap a shot of your favorite snacks, pose with princesses, or capture the iconic castle — there are photo ops galore! Some of my favorites are the purple wall in Tomorrowland, the Bubblegum wall in EPCOT, the Tangled restrooms, and anywhere in Galaxy’s Edge.

With these tips, your next girls trip is sure to be a magical one to remember — no wishes on stars necessary.

Ready to plan your next vacation? Get all the latest travel tips and tricks with Brit + Co.

Lead image via Chloe Lang

The New "Twisters" Features Glen Powell In The Rain, And Thank Goodness

I'm all here for reboot, sequels, and spinoffs, and there are plenty to pick from. New iterations of both The Office and Harry Potter are on their way, and this summer, we're getting a brand new follow-up to 1996's iconic movie Twister. But instead of Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Cary Elwes, and Philip Seymour Hoffman this year's summer movie stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Brandon Perea, and Anthony Ramos. Here's everything you need to know about Twisters!

Is Twisters a sequel?

Image via Universal Pictures

Twisters exists in the same universe as the OG movie, but it's a standalone sequel — at least, as far as we know. Like all good follow-ups (and Emily Henry books), there's a chance we'll see at least one tie in to the first film. Maybe Daisy's Kate will be related to Helen Hunt's Jo?

When does Twisters coming out?

Image via Universal Pictures

Twisters comes to theaters on July 19, 2024.

What is the plot of Twisters?

Image via Universal Pictures

According to the official synopsis, Twisters also takes place in Oklahoma and follows "Kate Carter, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javito test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens, the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better."

Who's in the Twisters 2024 cast?

Image via Universal Pictures

Twisters stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Brandon Perea, Anthony Ramos, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane, Harry Hadden-Paton, David Corenswet, Daryl McCormack, Tunde Adebimpe, Katy O’Brian, Nik Dodani, Kiernan Shipka, and Paul Scheer.

Where can I stream Twister 1996?

Image via Universal Pictures

You can rent Twister on Amazon Prime now!

Check out the rest of the 2024 movies coming out this year, and mark July 19 on your calendar — Twisters is one movie you won't want to miss.

Lead image via Universal Pictures

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37 Tasty Salad Recipes That Make A Totally Satisfying Meal

Salad cravings come and go, but they can definitely linger when you find the perfect mix of fresh, seasonal ingredients and an irresistibly delicious dressing! These hearty, tasty salads are all of those things, and stand on their own as a meal for one or a crowd.

The versatility of each salad recipe here is what makes them shine as our very best salad recipes, too. Top 'em with your favorite protein for a delicious dinner, proudly bring one along to a summer BBQ potluck, or pack a serving for a week's worth of healthylunches.

Whether you're craving a taco-style salad, an all-veggie mix, or a salad-y spin on your favorite cuisine like Thai, Mediterranean, or Southern, these are the best salads to add to your recipe box!

Spring Mix Salad with Lemon Baked Tofu

Pack protein like lemon tofu and edamame to this salad that's filled enough to be its own stand-alone dish. The tangy vinaigrette is so refreshing, too! (via Two Spoons for Brit + Co)

Fennel Salad

This light meal is made magical with some crispy chicken cutlets that you can either prepare yourself, or buy at the store to save you some weeknight time! The blood orange brightens things up a bit, while the fennel and toasted walnuts add some wondrous texture. (via Brit + Co)

Butternut Squash Salad

Rich in nutrients, this veggie salad packs a mouthful of sweet flavors from the roasted butternut, paired with perfectly with a homemade apple cider dressing. (via Brit + Co)

Space Salad

This NASA-inspired recipe, originally developed for deep space travelers, only requires seven ingredients: soybeans, poppy seeds, barley, kale, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and sweet potatoes are all tossed together to create an (ahem) out-of-this-world salad. (via Brit + Co)

Nicoise Salad

There's a little bit of everything in this tasty salad recipe: protein from fish and eggs, crunch from spinach and tomatoes, and tons of flavor from the homemade dressing. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Arugula Walnut Salad

Here's our favorite go-to spring salad recipe, chock full of fresh fruit + veg we love to savor all season long. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Chicken and Avocado Salad

We recreated one of Pinterest's most popular Whole30 recipes and learned exactly what all the fuss is about, so good! (via Brit + Co)

Winter Greens & Citrus Salad with Tahini-Ginger Dressing

The Japanese-style tahini-ginger dressing in this salad is so good that you'll want to drizzle it on all your veggies — sauteéd kale, steamed broccoli, and more. (via Season Cookbook x Brit + Co)

Spring Chicken Salad With Sauce Verte

Low-carb fans will love this bright spring salad with seasoned chicken and a mix of veggies like asparagus, English peas, and plenty of greens. (via Brit + Co)

Summer Watermelon Radish Salad

Watermelon radishes are nothing like your average watermelon. Earthy and packed with a spicy kick, these vegetables go best paired with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potato Salad

This hearty salad mixes together roasted sweet potato, fluffy quinoa, arugula, crumbled feta, and a quick + delicious hummus dressing. (viaLive Eat Learn)

Pesto Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad

Grilled Cajun chicken, orzo, romaine lettuce, and avocado and peppers tossed together with a creamy thousand island dressing is a meal we'll happily add to our weekly salad rotation ASAP. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Roasted Golden Beet Salad with Farro

Roasted beets, farro, goat cheese, and crunchy almonds is hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own but also a dish you'll totally want to share. (via Barley & Sage)

Peach Salad

Peach lovers, unite! This salad puts the juicy stone fruit front and center and finishes with a sweet and tangy olive oil dressing. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Curly Endive and Stone Fruit Salad

The best thing about salads is their versatility. Swap the endive here for radicchio, chicories, frisée or some other favorite and grill the stone fruit for added flavor. (via Most Hungry)

Easy Beef Taco Salad

Top this beef salad with your favorite taco toppings and an easy and delicious 2-ingredient dressing! (via Salt & Lavender)

Spring Orzo Salad

Loaded with asparagus, peas, and a delicious lemon vinaigrette dressing, this salad will satisfy you through summer and beyond. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Shaved Broccolini, Brussel Sprouts, and Kale Salad

This gluten-free and vegetarian salad features shaved broccolini, Brussels sprouts and kale (*all* the greens) and is so easy to make. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad

Toss crispy romaine hearts, spicy buffalo chicken, and all your favorite veggies with a healthy and super tasty avocado ranch dressing for your next salad craving. (via The Endless Meal)

Apple Berry Walnut Salad

Berry season is a perfect time to make this salad, mixed with kale, red leaf lettuce, blackberries, blueberries, apples, and walnuts. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

These Are The Best Salad Recipes To Mix Up This Summer

Snap Pea + Burrata Salad

Snap peas, cucumbers, radishes, and creamy burrata cheese is the healthy + totally satisfying mix we want in a salad. (via Cozy Cravings)

Santa Fe Chicken Salad

This Chili's copycat salad recipe is loaded with spicy chicken, yummy veggies, tortilla strips and a zesty Santa Fe sauce. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Panzanella Bread Salad

This salad made with grilled bread, heirloom tomatoes, capers and herbs can be served warm or cold depending on the season and mood. (via Veggie Society)

Authentic Fattoush Salad

Make the most of summer's best produce with a delicious dressing and crunchy homemade pita chips for the ultimate bread salad. (via Forks & Foliage)

Turmeric Rice Salad

Grains are a great way to turn a salad into a meal. This Mediterranean-inspired salad uses turmeric and rice to add a beautiful color, great texture and a lot of nutrition. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Vegan Grilled Club Salad

Inspired by the classic club sandwich, this salad uses similar ingredients grilled to perfection. (via The Edgy Veg)

Bright Winter Salad

This easy, 10-minute salad is packed with antioxidants and introduces dragonfruit to your salad go-to ingredients. (via No Eggs Or Ham)

Easy Fennel Arugula Salad

Mix in sundried tomatoes and artichoke hearts to create a simple and satisfying salad with huge flavor. (via Gastroplant)

Turkish Shepherd Salad

Tomato season is our favorite salad time. Add fresh summer tomatoes, cucumbers and onions, plus sumac, lemon juice and olive oil to make this tasty and refreshing salad in just 5 minutes! (via Give Recipe)

Thai Quinoa Salad

A simple Thai vinaigrette made of sesame oil, lime juice, fish sauce, ginger, and garlic turns your summer produce into a delightful feast! (viaA Spicy Perspective)

Bo Luc Lac

This peppery, sweet, and savory bo luc lac is delicious served on a bed of crisp watercress, red onions, and cherry tomatoes, so salad-esque. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Kale Salad

This colorful kale salad made with a fresh strawberry vinaigrette is an ode to California cuisine. (via Culinary Hill)

Cauliflower Citrus Salad

This winter salad is a great one to bookmark come the holidays or try anytime you're craving crunchy and sweet. (via Allo Simone)

Chickpea Shawarma Salad

This plant-based version of the Middle Eastern dish still has the same kick of spices but with hearty chickpeas and a dressing that’s tangy, sweet, and tart all at once. (via Chef Bai)

Strawberry Spinach Salad

This healthy summer salad is quick and easy, featuring toasted almonds, sliced cucumbers and in-season strawberries, plus an easy balsamic vinaigrette dressing. (via Two Spoons)

Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad

There are few things better than watermelon in season, and this salad takes advantage of all of it with complimentary flavors of feta, basil, and balsamic. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Black Eyed Pea + Cornbread Salad

This Southern-style salad had us at cornbread, plus plant-based toppings that are healthy and delicious and totally filling. (via This Wife Cooks)

Follow us on Pinterest for more summer dinners, and check out our online cooking classes for delicious ideas!

This post has been updated.

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Dorit Kemsley Announces Separation Amid RHOBH Casting Rumors

Last season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, we all speculated that Kyle Richards swapped one Mo for another given her separation from Mauricio Umansky and budding friendship with Morgan Wade. While Richards was tight lipped throughout each episode, we learned a lot more from Buying Beverly Hills and tabloids alike, featuring more definitive timelines and theories about what was really going on at home with the Richards-Umansky family. Now, with Mauricio reportedly fully moved out and Morgan allegedly out of the picture, what's left for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14? Here's a breakdown of everything we know, from returning cast members, remaining couples, and more.

Who's returning to "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" for season 14?

Images via Bravo

There aren't any official announcements about the returning cast yet, but there are plenty of stories out there about who's not returning — and who's potentially getting demoted!

First up is Dorit Kemsley. Dorit's been on the show a while now, gabbing and girling with Kyle Richard throughout the latter half of the show's history — but there's been a wrench in that relationship ever since Kyle befriended Morgan Wade. And now, The Daily Mail exclusively reported that Dorit may even get demoted to "friend of the show" after not being fully truthful about the state of her relationship with husband PK Kemsley — more on that in a moment. Kyle Richards "dismissed" these reports, but we'll have to see about that. Fingers crossed she and Kyle can mend things...and that she and the producers can as well!

Next, we've gotta address Anne Marie Wiley. Anne Marie was let go from the show after just one season — where we can't help but giggle at the journey from calling herself a literal doctor to finally addressing that she's actually a nurse — and is allegedly okay with it. She told Peoplethat she's "in a great space" since then, so...good for you, girl! Just maybe don't obsess over someone's esophagus in your next foray into the film and TV world.

A regular for the last three season, Crystal Kung Minkoff is also not returning to the RHOBH world, according to Deadline. She noted on Instagram how heavy it was to carry "the weight" of being the first — and only — Asian American woman to join the RHOBH cast. Her presence and thoughtful opinions will definitely be missed!

For now, we can only assume that Kyle Richards, Garcelle Beauvais, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, and Sutton Stracke will make a return, but only time — and tabloids — will tell!

Will any new cast members join "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" season 14?

Image via NBC

Apparently Melanie Griffith, known for starring in projects like Working Girl, is joining the RHOBH crew for season 14, according to In Touch Weekly! She's a long-time friend to Kyle Richards, and I think that'll add a great dynamic...especially given how rocky things got between Kyle and Dorit last year. The girl needs friends now more than ever!

One of the sillier rumored cast situations is that Chelsea Handler was joining the show. The hilarious comedian quickly shut that down, however.

A person we don't think will ever return as a main cast member, friend, or otherwise? Miss upside down jacket herself, Denise Richards. 🤭

Who's still a couple on "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" right now?

Image via Netflix

That's a very, very good question! Kyle and Mauricio are definitely broken up, and seemingly for good. The only other remaining couple was Dorit and PK, but that's all changing quickly. In April, The Daily Mailreported that PK's living in the Beverly Hills Hotel at the moment. Now, Dorit officially posted an update about their relationship on Instagram. It says:

"We as a couple have been subject to a lot of speculation about our marriage. We have had our struggles over the last few years and continue to work through them as two people who love each other and share two amazing children together. To safeguard our deep friendship and maintain a harmonious environment for our children we have made the mutual and difficult decision to take some time apart and reevaluate our relationship while we prioritize our children. We appreciate your love and support while we continue to do the work necessary throughout this journey. With love, Dorit and PK"

Comments poured in from fans and fellow housewives alike. Lisa Rinna commented, "I love you ❤️," followed by Kathy Hilton and Anne Marie Wiley's prayer hands and heart emojis. While this doesn't necessarily spell out divorce, it doesn't look great for the longtime couple. All in all, I'm hoping for a healthy outcome for the whole family!

When will "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" season 14 air?

Image via Bravo

There's no set air date for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14, but I'd have to guess that we'll see these ladies (and whoever else joins them) by sometime in 2025.

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12 Early Deals From Amazon’s Memorial Day Sale We Know You’ll Love

As tons of Memorial Day sales begin to ramp up, Amazon's deals have already started – super early. There are tons of savings to take advantage of for the holiday on all sorts of categories, from tech to home goods. Since we're still a ways out from Memorial Day, we're highlighting only the best early deals you can shop right now. Scroll for more from the Amazon Memorial Day sale!

When is Amazon's Memorial Day sale in 2024?

Photo by cottonbro studio / PEXELS

Memorial Day is May 27 this year, but Amazon's sale has already started a few weeks in advance. As we get closer to the holiday, we'll start to see more deals develop.

What deals does Amazon's Memorial Day sale have?

Photo by Kindel Media / PEXELS

Amazon's Memorial Day sale has deals on everything from headphones, TVs, vacuums, kitchen appliances, home goods like sheets and towels, and many more practical items.

Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth Headphones

49% off

You'll save about $170 when you shop these noise-cancelling headphones on Amazon right now. Here's to more focused work days and fuss-free flights!

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

38% off

If you just can't ditch your music (or fave podcast) when you're on the go, AirPods are a saving grace. If you snag 'em from Amazon now, you'll save about $50!

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

35% off

This smart vac does all the work for you, which, if you ask us, is totally worth the investment. This early Amazon Memorial Day deal saves you $95 dollars on the fancy-schmancy cleaning machine.

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer

27% off

This deal will make you wanna whip something up in the kitchen, ASAP. It's currently 27% off, which means you save a whopping $150! You can be sure that this KitchenAid stand mixer is uber-durable and easy to use with 10 different speeds for exactly what you need.

Signature Design by Ashley Queen Size Chime 12 Inch Medium Firm Memory Foam Mattress

22% off

Memorial Day weekend is *the* time to pick up a mattress if you've been wanting an upgrade. before you shop anywhere else, check out Amazon's sale, because it has amazing deals like this one: save $75 total, spending just $275 for a totally brand-new queen mattress!

Ulike Laser Hair Removal IPL Device

21% off

This hair removal device is the perfect personal tech to get your hands on ahead of summertime. It's completely painless but oh-so effective, providing results in just 3 weeks. Save $70 now! Vacation is calling!

Lane Linen 100% Organic Cotton Twin Sheets Set

20% off

Time for a bed refresh? You can snag this complete sheet set in a slew of different colors for about $26.

Chita Oversized Modular Sectional Fabric Sofa Set

18% off

You'd never guess this luxe-looking couch is from Amazon. With the Memorial Day sale, save $265 on your way to a dreamy living room upgrade.

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

18% off

If the Memorial Day weekend deals are screaming "treat yourself," opt for these Apple headphones that'll really show your wired ones who's boss.

Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer

17% off

If there's one thing we absolutely need in our kitchen, it's an air fryer! Luckily, this fan-favorite model is on deal for just $100 (you save $20 total), so you can cook up some amazing air fryer recipes.

Levoit Large Air Purifier

16% off

Up your at-home game with this air purifier made for large spaces. It's meant to filter out all the dirt, dust, and odor, so you can lounge around and sleep with the cleanest inside air possible. Save $30 now!

Peloton Bike

13% off

It's never too late to get on your fitness grind, and the Peloton bike is downright addicting since you can keep it at home and work out whenever you want. It's an investment, but you'll save about $200 when you purchase it now!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more Memorial Day sales!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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5 Ways You Can Be A Good Partner To Someone With ADHD, According To A Therapist

I used to think being in a healthy relationship meant that things would be easy peasy, but I now know it takes more than "I love yous" to learn how to be a good partner — especially when dealing with mental health. Since it's Mental Health Awareness Month, I figure it's the perfect time to talk about how neurodivergence can show up in relationships — particularly when you're married to or dating someone with ADHD — and why it doesn't have to spell doom.

That's not to say that things like financial red flags or a serial messy partner are things you have to deal with — it's more about realizing what your personal thresholds are while loving someone who perceives things a little differently.

However, sometimes while you're navigating those relationship boundaries on your own, other people's opinions can cloud your perception. Licensed therapist Natalie Rosado, LMHC, of Tampa Bay Counselingand Counseling with Natalie says, "Unfortunately, there are numerous stigmas that can affect how people view these relationships, making dating more challenging." But with over a decade of experiencing helping clients learn to take care of their mental health, Natalie has a few tips that'll help you learn how to be a good partner to someone who has ADHD.

What are common misconceptions about neurodivergence in relationships?

Image via Yan Krukau/Pexels

It seems like as soon as people find out two people are dating, their relationship becomes THE topic of conversation among their peers and otherwise. I know because I'm guilty of letting my curiosity get the best of me, but I try not to make assumptions about what goes on BTS. Knowing this, I can only imagine some of the things that people say about couples where one partner has a diagnosed mental illness or is neurodivergent.

Natalie says the common myths and stigmas associated with these types of relationships are:

  • Relationships with people who have mental health issues are doomed to fail.
  • People with mental health issues are violent and dangerous.
  • Mental health problems are a sign of weakness, and you can 'fix' your partner.
  • You should only consider someone as a romantic partner if they are 'cured' of their mental illness

How can someone effectively communicate with their partner if they ADHD?

Image via Viktoria Slowikowska/Pexels

Someone who has ADHD may process things a little differently than another person, which doesn't have to be a terrible thing. To be more specific, Natalie breaks down how someone can have conversations with a partner who has ADHD. "Effective communication with a partner who has ADHD requires specific strategies because ADHD can affect a person's ability to focus, organize thoughts, listen actively, and manage impulses, which can sometimes make interactions and day-to-day living difficult," she says.

A few ways to navigate this is by doing the following:

  • Seek Understanding of ADHD: Understanding how ADHD can affect communication and behavior can help you develop empathy and more effective strategies tailored to your relationship.
  • Establish Eye Contact: Making eye contact can help them focus and signal that the conversation is important.
  • Check for Understanding: After you’ve communicated something important, ask your partner to repeat back what they've understood. This can ensure that your message has been understood correctly.
  • Use "I" Statements: This can prevent your partner from feeling defensive and keeps the conversation more constructive.

How can you recognize signs that something is triggering your partner?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

This is such an important question because sometimes we're not aware that something we're doing or saying is triggering our partners whether they have ADHD or not. Natalie says, "A clear sign that something may be triggering your partner is a noticeable and abrupt change in their mood or behavior," and "Triggers can also provoke physical responses."

Based on her experience, these physical responses can include shaking, trembling, a sudden inability to speak, crying, rapid breathing, or even a panic attack. "Observing these changes can indicate that your partner is experiencing something deeply distressing. If your partner suddenly withdraws from a conversation, shuts down emotionally, or tries to leave the situation entirely, it might indicate that they are feeling overwhelmed or triggered, as well. Or a sudden silence or unusually passive communication can be a sign your partner is triggered," Natalie says.

As someone who's known for finding a way to exit a conversation if I start feeling overwhelmed, I can say that this sounds all too familiar.

What makes having a partner with ADHD difficult? Should that be a dealbreaker?

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Deal breakers are subjective, so no one can firmly tell you what you should or shouldn't deal with. At the same time, Natalie wants you to consider some things. "Dating someone with ADHD does have it's unique challenges, but understanding these challenges can help determine whether they might be considered deal-breakers, depending on one's personal limits, the dynamics of the relationship, and the willingness of both partners to work through these concerns."

She makes it clear that some things that may affect your relationship with your partner are their tendency to be inconsistent, distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. If you're finding that it's hard for you to find peace at home or in your relationship, it may be best for you to amicably part ways with your partner.

How can you support a partner with ADHD?

Image via Dmitriy Ganin/Pexels

We're fortunate that we live in a time where talking about mental illness and neurodivergence is more widely embraced, but that doesn't mean everyone is comfortable with the conversation. Natalie says, "As a clinical provider, I have been able to witness first hand the ways that a partner's support can really assist someone with an ADHD diagnosis. First, understanding the symptoms, challenges, and behaviors associated with ADHD can help you empathize with what your loved one is experiencing."

A few of the ways you can help your partner is by listening without judgment or interruption, and acknowledging their struggles, validating their feelings, and reassuring them that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Natalie says this "...can help provide a feeling of safety" while "Offering to help organize their environment, set up reminders, or plan daily schedules can help reduce stress and make daily tasks more manageable."

To go the extra mile, Natalie suggests celebrating small milestones and successes to boost their self-esteem and motivation since these two things can also be affected by ADHD.

If you're struggling while dating someone who has ADHD, just know that all relationships hit roadblocks here and there. The best thing you can do is ask yourself what you're honestly able to handle in a relationship, consider finding ways to effectively communicate with and affirm your partner, or decide to walk away.

For more mental health advice, be sure to check out our interview with Mandy Teefey of Wondermind!

Lead image via Budgeron Bach/Pexels

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