Achievement Oriented Culture

ADHD & Marriage News - March 10, 2026

Quote of the Week

“In an achievement-oriented culture, we often feel ashamed if we can’t handle exorbitant amounts of pressure, because it seems like everyone else can. We think there must be some problem with us, and we keep quiet about it."

- Aviva Romm, MD

Achievement Oriented Culture

Stress impacts us all. For ADHD partners it makes symptoms worse. For non-ADHD partners, it makes patience and empathy hard to find. It’s exhausting and emotionally draining. And yet, we ‘accept stress’ with phrases such as “I’m not in control – this is how it’s done” and “I would like to have less stress in my life, but there’s just too much to do!”

I’m here to tell you that for most of us this is simply not true. Once your basic needs are met, you do have some options for reducing stress. Here are just a few tactics:

• Times during the day without electronic connections

• Learn to say “no” when others ask you to add to your obligations

• Meditate and exercise

• Ruthlessly cull your ‘to do’ list

• Set time aside for people and relationships, rather than chores

• Hold your partner at the end of the day (or beginning)

• Say ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you’ regularly

What stress could you eliminate?

REGISTRATION OPEN:

LIVE Couples' ADHD Effect In-Depth Seminar Begins Wednesday, March 25th!

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No matter where you are in the world.... you can take our life-changing ADHD Effect In-Depth Couples' Seminar.

Repair your marriage & learn to thrive now!

Melissa Orlov, the leading expert in ADHD relationships, and senior consultants, Rachel Ban and Ashley Paradise, help partners improve their lives together.

NON-ADHD Partner Support Groups

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Seven Thursdays at 4:30pm Eastern - Led by Ashley Paradise

March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7

There can be a lot to work through when your partner has ADHD. Join a community exploring similar issues, learn from each other's successes & struggles and find new, more effective ways to be your best self in your relationship. Understand how ADHD impacts emotional connections, communication, and day-to-day relationship dynamics. Each Zoom session focuses on member chosen topics for in-depth exploration and actionable strategies.

Seminars, Groups:

Intent to Action (i2a) Membership Program - (Registration Ongoing). i2a helps couples impacted by ADHD find practical strategies, a safe space to work through challenges, and a supportive community of peers. Included: Office Hours. Weekly Action Tips. Workshops. Book Club. Community Discussion Forum. Unlimited Video Replays. Our mission is to equip you with actionable expert guidance, a reduced sense of isolation, and foster real, lasting change in your relationships. Learn more and sign up here!

Live ADHD Effect In-Depth Couples' Seminar - (Registration Open) Starts March 25. Is your relationship in trouble? Melissa and senior consultants help partners improve their lives together in this premier 9-session ZOOM seminar that has changed the lives of many, many couples impacted by ADHD. Mental Health Professionals, learn about our Affiliates Program.

The Self-Study Seminar - (Ongoing) Move at your own pace. Includes materials & recordings from recent live seminar lessons and Q&As. 3 months of Office Hours to support your learning! Military and Mental Health Professional discounts.

Non ADHD Partner Support Group - (Registration Open) - Starts March 26. Join a community exploring similar issues; learn from each other's successes and struggles; find new, more effective ways to be your best self in your relationship.

Foundations in Habit Development - (Expected Fall 2026) This special series is for ADHD partners who have completed The ADHD Effect Couples' Seminar. This two month program helps you solidify the changes you have started to make.

ADHD & Marriage Consulting Group - (Ongoing) - Work with an ADHD expert who understand the issues faced by individuals and couples impacted by ADHD. We STRONGLY recommend you also take the ADHD Effect In-Depth Couples' Seminar

Couples Support Group - (Full) - Seven sessions. 5 couples only will work with Internal Family Systems (IFS) master facilitator, Jason Weber, to understand what ‘parts’ of themselves are participating in the parent-child dynamics and learn how to compassionately move away from it.

Therapist Training & more - (Ongoing) - For counselors, therapists, social workers, coaches, and other professionals who currently work with adults and couples impacted by ADHD, or who would like training to help improve their skills in this important therapeutic area.

Free Resources:

Is there hope? This video may help you answer that question:

Register for free marriage tips here! "Your weekly messages are beyond wonderful to receive, I cannot thank you enough! Please know the gifts that you give are treasured."