Why do friendships fade for me even when I like people?

ADHD affects follow through, time perception, and working memory, all of which are important for maintaining relationships. Forgetting to reply, missing birthdays, or losing track of time can unintentionally create distance, even when the emotional connection is still there. Many people with ADHD care deeply but struggle with the maintenance side of relationships. This can lead to guilt or shame, which then makes reaching out feel harder. The fading is rarely about lack of interest. It is about executive functioning barriers, not emotional ones.