239 - The Courage to Connect with Emily Beecher
About this episode
Emily Beecher discusses her experiences with ADHD, dating, and the importance of self-awareness in relationships.
Emily Beecher is a 50-year-old single mom and certified coach who specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism and ADHD. She was diagnosed with ADHD at 44 after her daughter received her diagnosis. With a 25-year career in media and arts, Emily discovered her passion for developing people and transitioned into coaching. Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) RSD is a common challenge in ADHD that causes intense emotional reactions to perceived rejection. While neurotypical people might quickly move past an awkward moment, someone with RSD may ruminate on it for years. Emily's key advice: ask yourself if someone is truly rejecting you or simply stating a preference. More importantly, evaluate whether you're actually interested in them—don't let RSD override your own feelings. Disclosure and Dating Authenticity Emily recommends a flexible approach to disclosing disabilities. You can change your strategy with each person and date based on comfort and safety. She typically mentions her ADHD casually on first dates to gauge reactions early. However, she emphasizes trusting your instincts—if you feel unsafe disclosing, don't. When…
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