Anyone else get overwhelmed by starting new friendships

Yes, this makes sense. Starting new friendships requires initiation, planning, reading social cues, and managing uncertainty. For someone with ADHD, that is a lot of executive load. There can also be social anxiety layered on top. Worry about saying the wrong thing or not following through can make it feel heavier than it “should” feel. Taking small steps helps. Low pressure interactions, shorter meetups, or structured activities reduce the cognitive burden. You are not antisocial. Your brain just prefers clearer structure.