But what if the person has ADHD? For many with ADHD, ghosting isn’t about avoiding you — it’s about time slipping away without them even noticing. They may plan to reply, then forget. Minutes turn into hours. Hours into days. Suddenly, the message feels too old to answer.

This happens because people with ADHD often struggle to feel the passing of time. That can make even simple replies feel impossible.

But note that it’s not personal.

In this article, we’ll explore why individuals with ADHD might ghost others.

🔑 Key Takeaways

A short delay in replying can feel normal to them, even if it turns into days or weeks.
Time blindness makes it hard for people with ADHD to keep up with messages and tasks.
Emotional messages are easier to respond to, while neutral ones are often forgotten.
Stress and anxiety can make it even harder for someone with ADHD to reply.
Ghosting from someone with ADHD is usually not meant to hurt anyone.
Many people with ADHD want to respond but feel overwhelmed or afraid of saying the wrong thing.

Have you ever texted someone and waited... and waited... only to hear nothing back? You start wondering, “Did I say something wrong?”

This happens because people with ADHD often struggle to feel the passing of time. That can make even simple replies feel impossible.

But note that it’s not personal.

In this article, we’ll explore why individuals with ADHD might ghost others.

✂️ In Short

Ghosting by someone with ADHD is rarely personal or intentional. It often stems from being overwhelmed, forgetful, or anxious.

So if you're feeling ghosted by a friend with ADHD, the silence might say more about their internal struggles than their feelings toward you.

Final Words

When someone goes quiet, it’s easy to assume the worst. But not all silence means disconnection. Some people face real barriers that make consistent communication hard. ADHD can turn everyday tasks into uphill battles—especially when time slips by without warning.

That doesn’t excuse the silence, but it does explain it.

Instead of seeing ghosting as a lack of care, it helps to look deeper. Maybe the person is overwhelmed. Maybe they meant to respond and still think about it. With more awareness, there’s room for grace. There’s room for stronger, more honest relationships.

Everyone benefits when we lead with curiosity instead of judgment. Sometimes, understanding someone’s struggle is the first step to staying connected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to feel guilty after ghosting someone?

Yes, many people with ADHD feel guilty after ghosting. It’s not usually done on purpose — it’s often a reaction to stress or overload.

What if I leave a party without saying goodbye?

That’s a common ADHD thing. If you feel overstimulated or out of energy, it’s OK to leave — just send a message later to say you enjoyed it.

Can I let people know ahead of time that I might leave early?

Yes! Saying something like, “I might duck out early, but I loved seeing you,” can help people understand it’s not personal.

What’s a small thing I can do instead of ghosting?

Send a quick message like, “Hey, this caught me off guard. I need a little time to think before I answer.” It keeps the connection open.

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The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider.

Jeff Caba, DHSc, PA-C.

Jeff brings to Buoy over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant in urgent care and internal medicine. He also has extensive experience in healthcare administration, most recently as developer and director of an urgent care center. While completing his doctorate in Health Sciences at A.T. Still University, Jeff studied population health, healthcare systems, and evidence-based medi...

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