Life is anything but boring. It often feels like a series of comedic sketches starring us in the leading role. To help capture those "Did I really just do that?" moments, I've collated a set of four-letter acronyms that might make you slap your forehead in recognition. These are for those of us who know that sometimes, you have to laugh at the quirks that come with the territory. Because, after all, even though life is serious, one shouldn’t take oneself too seriously.
FOBI (Fear of Being Included): The anxiety you get when someone invites you to something you have no interest in, but you feel obliged to go anyway.
GOMO (Gratitude of Missing Out): The warm, fuzzy feeling of gratitude you get when your plans are cancelled, and you get to stay home instead.
FODO (Fear of Disappointing Others): The anxiety you feel when you say no to plans, worried that you might hurt someone’s feelings, even though you need some "me" time.
FDNWD (Floordrobe Not Wardrobe): When your clothes live on the floor rather than in your wardrobe, and you’ve convinced yourself it’s “organised chaos.”
WWID (What Was I Doing?): That moment when you walk into a room and immediately forget why you’re there. Every. Single. Time.
SPOMI (Sudden Panic Over Misplaced Item): The instant anxiety when you can’t find that thing you just had in your hand two seconds ago.
NAPA (Not Actually Paying Attention): Nodding along in a conversation when your brain is 10 miles away, thinking about something completely unrelated.
FAAD (Forgot Again, Actually Didn’t) When you’re sure that you forgot something, you only discover it was done ages ago, but your brain failed to record it.
LITS (Lost In Thought, Somewhere): When you mentally wander so far off the beaten path that even Google Maps couldn’t find you.
FOLT (Forgot One Little Thing): The “one little thing” that turns out to be crucial, and now your whole plan is derailed. Again.
DIMS (Did I Mention… Squirrel?)): When your train of thought gets completely derailed by something shiny or random, mid-sentence.
WISPD (Why Is Snack Preparation so Distracting?): The struggle of getting distracted halfway through making a snack, only to find the breadknife in the fridge later.
SIPP (Sudden Impulse Purchase Panic): That wave of regret when you realise you bought something totally unnecessary because it seemed like a good idea at the time.
If these acronyms are too close to home, take comfort in knowing you’re in good company. Living with AuDHD means embracing the chaos, the quirks, and the funny moments that come with it. Next time you find yourself in an FAAD situation or wandering off into a LITS, remember—you’re not alone, and sometimes the best response is a good laugh.
Ciao for now (And thanks to Paul Sims for the idea and Matt Watkins for choosing todays theme)
MP
I got a mention, yay! I can check each and every one of those TLAs, more than one since waking up this morning! Keep up the great work MP!