ADHD and dating: Why the spark burns bright (then fades fast)
ADHD and dating: Why the spark burns bright (then fades fast)  
Podcast: MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel
Published On: Tue Nov 04 2025
Description: For many women with ADHD, the spark of a new relationship feels like magic. But what happens when commitment feels like too much to manage?In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson explains the ADHD brain during the early stages of a new relationship. Learn how ADHD impacts attachment and commitment for some women. Get tips for how to manage coming down from the emotional high when the initial spark fades.For more on this topic: ADHD and dating: Why crushes feel so intenseADHD and dating: Why casual dating never feels casualTips from an ADHD Coach: Is it love or is it dopamine?Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro(01:05) What is new relationship energy (NRE)?(01:54) The ADHD brain and early romance (04:28) The difference between a fading spark and incompatibility (07:41) Tips for managing a new relationshipFor a transcript and more resources, visit MissUnderstood on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org.  ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.