If you’re an adult who freezes at emails, dreads group texts, or snaps when your partner asks “What’s for dinner?”—this might be for you. Adult PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) isn’t about being lazy or difficult. It’s a nervous system response to feeling trapped or expected. In this blog, we break down how PDA shows up at work, in relationships, and why your brain isn’t broken—it’s just trying to protect you.

Kids with a PDA profile often don’t recognize traditional social hierarchies—respect isn’t given based on age or authority, it’s earned through connection. This can leave adults feeling disrespected or flabbergasted, but PDAers aren’t trying to be rude—they’re trying to stay safe. Power-over approaches trigger threat responses. True connection happens when power is shared, not imposed.

If you’ve ever spiraled after a short text, cried over constructive feedback, or thought someone’s silence meant you did something wrong—you might be dealing with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. And no, you're not too sensitive. You’re wired for deep care. 💛

When we understand motivation, we can eliminate frustration and failure. Understanding brings compassion and strategy.