<h2>Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria with Alex Partridge</h2><p>In this bonus episode of&nbsp;<strong>Two Women Chatting</strong>, Michelle speaks with&nbsp;<strong>Alex Partridge</strong>, host of&nbsp;<strong>ADHD Chatter podcast</strong>&nbsp;and author of&nbsp;<em>Why Does Everybody Hate Me? Living and Loving with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria</em>.</p><p>Together they explore&nbsp;<strong>Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)</strong>&nbsp;- an intense emotional response to perceived criticism or rejection that is commonly experienced by people with ADHD or autism. Alex shares personal insights into how RSD can shape relationships, self-confidence and everyday interactions.</p><br><p><br></p><h3>What is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria?</h3><p>Alex explains that RSD is one of the most challenging aspects of living with ADHD. Even small comments or situations - like a boss asking for a quick chat - can trigger overwhelming anxiety and catastrophic thinking. These reactions are often rooted in years of criticism or misunderstanding during childhood.</p><br><p><br></p><h3>The Emotional Impact</h3><p>For many people, RSD can cause powerful emotional responses that feel disproportionate to the situation. Feelings of sadness, anger or panic can escalate quickly, creating a cycle of shame and regret once the emotional response has passed.</p><br><p><br></p><h3>Relationships and Self-Perception</h3><p>Michelle and Alex discuss how RSD can affect both personal and professional relationships. When feedback feels like a personal attack, people may react defensively or impulsively - quitting jobs, withdrawing from relationships or later apologising for emotional reactions they feel embarrassed about.</p><br><p><br></p><h3>The People-Pleasing Trap</h3><p>Alex highlights how many people with RSD develop people-pleasing behaviours in an attempt to avoid rejection. While it can feel protective in the moment, constantly prioritising other people’s needs can lead to unhealthy dynamics and difficulty setting boundaries.</p><br><p><br></p><h3>Women and ADHD</h3><p>The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD, many of whom are diagnosed later in life. Alex emphasises the importance of giving women a stronger voice in the neurodiversity conversation, particularly around hormonal changes and how ADHD can present differently for women.</p><br><p><br></p><h3>Key Takeaways</h3><p>• Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria can trigger intense emotional reactions to perceived criticism.</p><p>• These reactions can create a cycle of shame that affects relationships and self-confidence.</p><p>• People-pleasing is a common coping strategy but can lead to unhealthy patterns.</p><p>• Women with ADHD often face unique challenges and are frequently diagnosed later in life.</p><p>Through his honesty and advocacy, Alex Partridge helps bring greater understanding to RSD and offers reassurance to anyone who has struggled with feeling overwhelmed by criticism or rejection.</p><br><p>Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, ADHD, neurodiversity, mental health awareness, emotional intelligence, Alex Partridge, women and ADHD.</p><p>👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.</p><br><p>Explore the 'midlife library' at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twowomenchatting.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.twowomenchatting.com</a></p><p>Connect with Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>&nbsp;for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...</p><p>Follow Michelle on Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/michelleford_twc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@michelleford_twc</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/twowomenchatting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>