"Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder" I'm not medicated and sometimes it's literally crippling for daily activities and having conversations. I am OCD as well, a product of my ADHD. I have to write everything down or I forget, I can hardly ever focus on one single thing at a time and I struggle to sit still... I can listen to someone and completely forget what they said while they're still talking. I even forget what I'm going to say to someone when I'm about to say it because something(even a simple sound or smell) triggers another thought. It's exhausting. My son even says "Mama... Mama, focus"
I get it. I can relate with getting off topic at the drop of a hat, especially if a beautiful bird suddenly swoops in, a double rainbow appears, or something equally camera worthy...I go into automatic "get the camera" mode & totally ignore what is being said.
I've always liked writing better than speaking. If it is someone I know & share common interests, I can finish sentences easily, or even jump to the next 5 questions, the "yet to be said" statement would inspire. I realize I must drive some folks nuts. I go nuts trying to stop myself. I do it with DH on occasion & gets a little ticked off...then he says "can ya just let me finish my story?" I know I need to just focus, don't look away thinking of other stuff, don't go off simultaneously searching for something, just look at him & let him speak. Why is it So Difficult! He is by no means a slow talker either. I just do this, always have, not sure why. At 3 yrs old, adults thought it was cute & pretty smart this little kid took the words out of their mouths. In school, some teachers didn't appreciate it at all. Now, as an adult, its just considered smart ass behavior.
I am sorry! I am trying, but sometimes I just can't stop finishing someone else's sentence then jumping ahead. Is that ADD?
If so, my Dad had it, too. I recall us both just saying the punchlines to jokes then laughing, while others were scratching their heads. Oh he could tell a great joke from start to finish. But when he wanted his daughter to laugh so bad that stomach hurt & tears were in my eyes, he'd just say the end punchline without the full joke. Then the reactions of other people's quizzical expressions made me laugh harder...yup, that was priceless. Geez, I miss laughing like that Dad!
