r/ADHD • u/GriffinGotGun • Feb 23 '25
Tips/Suggestions Tip: The ASL alphabet helps me not interrupt when someone else talks.
When having a conversation, I used to struggle with letting other people finish because I felt like I had to interrupt with some pertinent information that was about to simply fly out of my head into oblivion.
When that happens now, I covertly stick a hand in my pocket and make the sign for the first letter of a word that reminds me of said pertinent information.
For example: I had a friend telling me about how they have a fear of mascots. As soon as they started speaking, I wanted to interrupt and say, “That’s called masklophobia!” But instead, I made the sign for “M” with my hand. Even though it’s not much of a hint, somehow my brain is able to hang onto the thought, allowing the rest of my brain to give full attention to my friend.
I hope this helps someone else, too.
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u/chappyman7 Feb 23 '25
Thanks for sharing this is really cool and easy to try
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
You’re most welcome and I really hope you try it and it helps!
It comes with the side bonus of being able to at least understand when someone spells something out in sign as well.
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u/oxenvibe Feb 23 '25
Love this helpful tool! Somewhat similar one that I hung onto from a client: we were having a long form chat about something and as I was speaking I noticed he had his middle and index fingers crossed. I asked him why and he said very similarly that he does it to hang onto a response/thought so he doesn’t interrupt me. He also said that crossing his fingers helps him temporarily “let go” of the thought so he can better focused on actually listening.
I try to practice this often and it’s very helpful, I’ll definitely be incorporating your ASL technique too!
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
Wow! I’m so happy that this seems to be rooted in something that has already helped people in the past!
Also, any community that shows this much excitement over the prospect of being a better listener HAS to be a wholesome bunch!
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u/Weepingmulberry Feb 23 '25
I was just thinking how wholesome this post was. Also, it’s a great tip!!
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u/TeamClutchHD ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) Feb 23 '25
Holy shit this is genius. It doubles as a stim and a great strategy for not interrupting people. Thank you!!
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25 edited Feb 23 '25
That makes total sense! Thanks for saying that! I had never considered that it acts as a
“stem”“stim,” thusly helping your brain bridge the gap. Now I will be trying to figure ways to“stem”“stim”my other problem areas.Hope you have success with this like I have.
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u/-AllCatsAreBeautiful Feb 23 '25
Just FYI, it's "stim" for like stimulate.
Thank you so, so much for sharing this! It's pretty genius. I have this problem, too, & this is a great idea, easy to try out, non-verbal & non-note-taking etc so it's not disruptive. What a neat little trick for us to try! 💜🐨
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u/Revolutionary_Mud824 Feb 23 '25
Such a unique and thoughtful way to support people who are not as understanding of the way, our brains work. Thank you for sharing this.
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
You’re absolutely welcome and thanks for the kind words. It was a total accidental discovery that has helped me a ton. I know my family REALLY enjoy finishing their thoughts now.
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u/Sailormooody Feb 23 '25
Damn. That’s creative. I’ve been biting my tongue (literally biting my tongue with my teeth to avoid cutting someone off. Ngl, my tongue is starting to become sore..)
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
Oh man, It is almost physically painful just listening sometimes. Even when I am interested in the topic, I find myself fighting not to interrupt.
I hope your tongue and you will find some relief with this!
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u/MarjanKaykavoosi Feb 23 '25
Omg I have been doing this and I got to see my doctor now because of stress also and it hurts my thong to eat now because of it for the past 3 weeks
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u/danktentcles Feb 23 '25
One of my friends also has ADHD, when one of us is telling a story and the other wants to interject, we cross our fingers and wait for the right time to talk. Usually we will remember what we wanted to say but sometimes the conversation gets away from us. I love this idea of using a letter to jog the memory.
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
Holy smokes you have an INCREDIBLE friend group! That’s so great!
I taught my kids that instead of saying, “Dad! Dad! Dad!” When I’m talking to someone else, just to come and put a hand on me. When they do, I continue talking to whoever I was talking to, but I cover their hand with mine.
This lets them know that they are seen and reassures them that I will respond as soon as I have a break in conversation.
This reminds me so much of that.
You’re a good friend. That’s so important. Keep it up!
Edit: grammar
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u/-AllCatsAreBeautiful Feb 23 '25
Oh man, you're just full of brilliant ideas!
Thank fuck for this community. I felt so lost before. There's kindness, support, hilarity, & this kinda brilliance! Thanks again, mate 💜🐨
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u/IAmStardust-97 ADHD Feb 23 '25
I did that with my kids too! And I told my parents about it too so they’d understand if the kids did it with them. It was so helpful!
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u/danktentcles Feb 23 '25
Thank you! I feel so lucky to have a friend where we can completely unmask around each other 💗
You sound like an amazing dad! Kiddos need that reassurance- it would have made a huge impact on me as a kid to have that. Keep up the good work!
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u/SarahGrunsAgain Feb 25 '25
Yes! My father has done this my whole life (probs where my ADHD came from) - we're so used to seeing him sitting at the dinner table with his elbow resting on the table and holding his hand with his fingers crossed I just started doing it myself over time. Most of the time I even remember what I wanted to say, ha!
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u/athleturbo Mar 04 '25
I started doing this as a kid and never knew it was an ADHD coping mechanism. I also love the ASL letter idea!
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u/sysaphiswaits Feb 23 '25 edited Feb 24 '25
I “finger spell” down by my leg all the time. Most people don’t really notice it except as a fidget, but some of my extended family members are deaf, so that’s been awkward once or twice. (Similar to them hearing me say something under my breath, or for a second feels like they read my mind. Because I forget I’m doing it.)
It’s also really helpful for memorizing abstract ideas because it gives the idea a physical shape and put it into your muscle memory.
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
I so glad that there seem to be so many similar techniques. Gives me hope that these techniques coming together could really help other adhd-ites in the future.
Thanks for adding your technique! I am gonna try that as well!
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Feb 23 '25
I thought I was alone in this. Granted, not quite the same but I sign the first letter of each word that is said. It calms me as well somehow.
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
Oh wow! That’s so awesome to find someone with a somewhat common system! It really makes me want to become fluent in ASL. If I van keep that running in my brain’s background, I’d bet it would help me drown out the interference whilst helping me focus on what’s being said.
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u/Original-Engineer461 ADHD with ADHD partner Feb 23 '25
I’ve been doing this since I was really young! I actually didn’t even realize it until recently when my boyfriend pointed it out and I was repeatedly signing the same 6 different letters to remind myself of what I wanted to say when he was done talking. To add on, since then I have noticed that I also sign the first letter of every word in a song that’s stuck in my head, or I will sign the letters in a word to the beat of a song stuck in my head to make it more confusing for anyone witnessing
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u/HydrationAdvocate Feb 23 '25
I do something similar when navigating automated phone menus where I hold up the number for the most applicable option so far so when I get to the end of the options I know which one to press. It's a small thing but has actually helped a lot as I can never remember what any of them were once it's time to choose, and I don't want to press the wrong one too early in case there is a better option later.
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u/meoka2368 Feb 23 '25
We kind of figured this out back in jr. high. In a different way.
We didn't use ASL, though a couple of us know it, we came up with our own hand signals that meant different things (outside, inside, come this way, thirsty, hungry, etc.)
So we could be standing around in a group, talking about something, and a couple of people could give signs to each other, that everyone else could also see, and the group would just move off in the direction needed without having to stop the conversation to have a side conversation about it.
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u/ghosttowns42 Feb 23 '25
My best friend has finally gotten an understanding on my interrupting, and I have full permission to just say "put a pin in that." He remembers better than I do, usually just nods and then continues. When he's done, he reminds me of my pin.
This only works for talking to HIM though. I'm going to try your trick for talking to literally anyone else.
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u/MNKristen Feb 23 '25
I’ve started bringing a small notebook with me when I get together with a group of friends. That way, I can write down something I want to mention/bring up, and it prevents me from interrupting all the time. It’s been very helpful!
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u/Elleland Feb 23 '25
One of my friends taps her nose when she has a thought mid me talking and it is a reminder to her and me to circle back to it when I’m done. We both do it and it helps sooo much. Not sure who learned it from who, but it’s a great tool.
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u/AdPrize3997 ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) Feb 23 '25
Im gonna try. I don’t know sign language, so I will just trace the letter may be.
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
It’s easy! You can learn the alphabet and become pretty familiar in just a few days.
Tracing it might actually be more effective because you have to constantly stem to do it.
Good luck!
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u/oirbmos_ Feb 23 '25
i also do that sometimes, with the sign language alphabet of my country ! it's cool someone else does it too
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u/christianna415 Feb 23 '25
Omg I used to do this alllllllll the time. I do it far less often but I’m so glad to see I’m not alone in it.
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u/xXx-Persephone-xXx ADHD-C (Combined type) Feb 23 '25
I'm signing at work all the time. All the stupid random brain thoughts I cant say out loud get said in sign. I do a lot of things one handed so I can sign with the other. I thought it wasn't that noticeable but my coworker called me out on it one day lmao. Now we just hope they never learn to understand it too well or else they'll be calling the police 🤣
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u/Nevertrustafish Feb 23 '25
Omg I can't believe someone else does this too! I do a lot of finger spelling during boring work meetings.
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u/WiredNet Feb 23 '25
Hopefully you're not wanting to interject something about a zebra, else you'll look like you're masturbating
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u/candymannequin ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) Feb 23 '25
it's ok if you get downvoted. we still know this is a funny comment.
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u/serenitylkw14 Feb 23 '25
I took sign language in high school and I realized I do this without noticing! I love it. Thank you for spreading the knowledge
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u/ElectronicBox3674 Feb 23 '25
Super cool, do you find it still allows you to focus on what the other person is saying or do you get hyper fixated on the letter in your pocket?
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
Not only that, it enhances my focus because after it becomes second nature, you don’t even have to complete your own thought. It’s like instantly putting a bookmark in your brain that allows you to maximize your focus towards whomever is speaking to you.
That’s how it is for me anyway. Hope it helps you in some way as well.
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u/CaraidNiseag Feb 23 '25
I've done this for ages and never thought about it as an ADHD tool/stim! I fingerspell a word to remember in my mind and barely move my hands. Helps me hang on to information with the added bonus of improving my (sadly limited) ASL.
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u/MayMarlowe ADHD-C (Combined type) Feb 23 '25
But it's great! I myself am deaf and sign language is my primary language, I should try!
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u/Designer_Test_3153 Feb 23 '25
This has pushed me to try to learn asl again 🥹🥹
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
I’ve always wanted to become fluent. The ability to hold a conversation in a concert or across a room would have so many advantages!
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u/Designer_Test_3153 Feb 23 '25
Me too! I’ve been in food service ever since I could work a job and the amount of deaf/hard of hearing individuals I get are low, but still frequent enough for me to have that urge. My brain hasn’t allowed me the time to learn much but this gets me excited!
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u/emzeewoolzee Feb 23 '25
As someone with auditory processing issues and mild hearing impairment, I can’t tell you how much I love this idea. Thank you for sharing!
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
Absolutely! The 90’s did quite a number on my hearing as well so I totally get it.
Really hope it helps!
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u/Microplastics_Inside Feb 23 '25
I struggle with this one a LOT and lately it's been so bad bc I've been managing to hold my tongue and not interrupt, but the entire time I'm completely not focused on the rest of what's being told to me bc I need to hold onto the thought or I'll lose it. Then I'm driven crazy thinking about "what was I about to say?"
I grew up not knowing I have ADHD, and my family kind of enabled me to just never shut my mouth. So I struggle with this into my 40s. They never called me out on it, thinking back. It was just "a feature" of my "weirdness" (I know some of you undiagnosed until adulthood people know what I'm talking about)
I wish I knew the ASL alphabet to give this a try bc it sounds like an amazing strategy.
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
I wasn’t diagnosed until i was in college and i totally get the “a feature” statement. The asl alphabet is SUPER easy! You can master it in a week if you already know the alphabet, but apparently something as simple as crossing your fingers is helpful to some people.
It’s too easy not to try! Hope you have success finding whatever works for you. Good luck!
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u/Rosabria Feb 23 '25
I will put my finger on my nose. It helps me hold onto my thought while also letting the person know I have something to contribute once they are done with their thought.
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u/grmrsan Feb 23 '25
I always used it as a fidget. Came in hilariously useful in the 8th grade. Some friends became curious, so I taught them. Our English teacher was terrible at his job, and graded all exams on a curve. Most of the class was incapable of matching vocab words with definitions or various other multiple choice test, but English was easily my best subject, so I kept throwing off his curve.
The entire class learned the alphabet. I sat in the front row, and you could see waves under the desk as someone would tap the person next to them, with a number, it would snake up to my desk, I'd reply with a letter, and it would snake back🤣
Brilliant teacher was either too stupid to catch on, or was just happy that the entire class was no longer failing. But we never got caught.
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u/Thequeerestkidyoukno Feb 23 '25
I have been learning sign for a few years because my partner is deaf, I’ll have to try this, it’s such a great idea!
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u/aviendha36 ADHD & Parent Feb 23 '25
Brilliant hack. Like a physical anchor for the thought so it doesn't float away. Definitely trying this
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u/DarthRegoria Feb 23 '25
Oh wow, I love this. Such a great idea.
I think I might try it, but I don’t know how well it will work for me. I’m Australian, so I know Auslan (Australian Sign language). It’s very different from ASL, even though we both speak English. Auslan is based on BSL (British), and close, but not exactly the same. ASL is closer to French Sign Language than it is to BSL.
In BSL and Auslan, letters are generally made with both hands, unlike the 1 handed letters in ASL, so most of them I can do in my pocket. Maybe I could do an approximation.
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
Oh wow! This is such a fascinating rabbit hole! I’m going to have fun researching sign language in other languages…if that’s even the proper way to word that sentence!
A few folks have mentioned just drawing out the shape of letters with your finger so maybe just having a non verbal stim “anchor” that still relates to the topic could be enough to help you focus on a different conversation whilst keeping any interrupting thought on standby til an appropriate time.
I hope you give it a shot and it helps! Good luck!
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u/verymerry19 Feb 23 '25
Sign language is really a language in and of itself, rather than just a “translation” of the spoken language in that region, which explains why Deaf individuals in different places use different signs, even if the spoken language in all regions is English. For example, there is BSL in Great Britain, but Ireland (including the North) has a completely different system, ISL, which is closely related to LSF but also Auslan!
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u/lordbrocktree1 ADHD-C (Combined type) Feb 23 '25
Wfh has been amazing for me because I can type out like 3-5 words for any point I want to make. And then I can circle back to them later when there is an opening.
But this is a super helpful comment for whenever I’m in person because I really struggle then
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u/audreywildeee Feb 23 '25
When I need to spell my name to people on the phone I spell it with sign language as well. This allows me to be distracted as well while still spelling correctly... Not much of a positive hack though...
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u/mileysadie Feb 23 '25
I'm on Zoom meetings all day. I have a notepad beside me where I write the first word of what I want to interrupt with, then wait for my turn to talk. It's not a perfect system as I still interrupt sometimes, but it helps. I like the ASL tip and will try that too.
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u/mountainmamapajama Feb 23 '25
I love this and am totally going to use it. Like a bookmark.
On a related note, the ASL alphabet is a frequent stim for me. Usually a word or short phrase on repeat to get it out of my head without saying it aloud.
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
Yes! It is totally like a conversational bookmark. That’s an excellent analogy!
I think it has inspired me to try and learn a bit more asl. Maybe just associating physical movement with language could be enough to trigger something.
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u/slendyslendamin Feb 23 '25
I'ma try to think of smth similar bc i struggle so bad with this. and when i'm like, nah i gotta be mindful, the thing just keeps going in my head and i stop paying attention to what they're saying. then i kinda beat myself up for accidentally tuning them out while simultaneously repeating "no, pay attention" in my head over and over again. sucks bad.
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
This! It’s so frustrating! And then, even if you do keep quiet, your feedback/response to what they say is mediocre because you are just trying to remember what you wanted to tell them earlier!
You are NOT alone my friend. Good luck!
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u/slendyslendamin Feb 23 '25
i always end up worrying they know i stopped paying attention and it came across as rude. thanks, boss. good luck to you too.
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u/Kindly-Pass-8877 ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) Feb 23 '25
I do something similar. I use my fingers to count how many thoughts I had and wanted to discuss.
In the same way that you would sign a ‘list’. (Learned from Australian Sign Language (Auslan))
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u/RunThruPlayLand Feb 23 '25
I'm a SODA (sibling of deaf adult) and I've never thought of doing this 🤦♀️ it's much easier not to interrupt when speaking in sign, so maybe if I do this it'll help me not interrupt when speaking out loud
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u/Popgoestheweeeasle Feb 23 '25
😮 this is genius, OP, thank you for sharing! why did I not think of this lol wow I think the closest equivalent I have experienced is attempting to translate the interruption when I was in language classes but two and two never added up like this! Brilliant ❤️
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u/dreadwitch Feb 23 '25
Hahaha this wouldn't work for me... I can't keep a thought no matter what I do.
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u/aml686 Feb 23 '25
It helps me with names, too! When someone tells me their name, I repeat what they said while signing their first initial.
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u/cearara Feb 23 '25
this is a good idea! i put my finger up to remember something but sometimes forget. I’ll try this!
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u/hellocloudshellosky Feb 24 '25
A zillion years ago I learned basic ASL as part of performing in a production of The Miracle Worker. I've pocket-signed to myself ever since. Sometimes even on the phone!!
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u/fugitive-bear Feb 24 '25
Some people recommended me to just have a bunch of paper and a pen with me at all times for this very reason.
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u/WraithSkirmisher Feb 24 '25
Joke on you, I use ASL 24/7 as I am hard of hearing lmao. It’s quite hard to not blurt out something and interrupt person who is talking. I’ve been learning to let people finish talking. 😁
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u/bakedlayz Feb 24 '25
I do this too!
Funny thing is when I have one letter reminding me to add story
And the other hand has a letter for a question I wanted to ask
And in the background is the question I want to ask that circles us back to my original point lmao
it def has helped me pay attention and listen more
At the end I get to decide if I want to use that thought or letter or just let it go... and letting it go isn't that bad sometimes
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u/ILoveSpankingDwarves Feb 24 '25
I just repeat "listen, listen, listen,..." In my head, and completely zone out, then say yes.
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u/MisterBicorniclopse Feb 23 '25
I’m gonna start doing that now. I have such a big problem with this
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
You are not alone! Even when I’m trying so hard to focus my mouth will just interrupt. This teensy bit of stimulation helps me so much.
I sincerely hope it works for you too!
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u/MisterBicorniclopse Feb 23 '25
My problem is that I just forget so much. Sometimes I think to myself, “that’s important enough that I’ll remember it” then a minute later I forget it and I’m left with the memory of knowing it was important but not what it is
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u/megs-benedict Feb 23 '25
Oh interesting - for me, spelling out letters is a stim, I thought that is where you were going! I like this!
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
Hope it helps! I’m going to give your spelling technique a shot too.
Thanks for that!
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u/lolo-2020 Feb 23 '25
Now i need to learn the alphabet! Great idea. Thank you.
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u/GriffinGotGun Feb 23 '25
Even just making the shape of letters with your pointer seems to help a bunch of people.
I hope you give it a shot and that it helps. Best of luck!
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u/lipslut Feb 23 '25
I have a friend who also has ADHD and we can go on epic tangents. Whenever I remember to, I will bring out a notebook and make notes on things to circle back to or the random comment like your example.
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u/ThatUsernameWasTaken Feb 23 '25
Sometimes I tap on my legs while listening to people, as if typing on an invisible keyboard. Sometomes I type what they're saying, sometimes what I want to say.... sometimes song lyrics because they're floating around in my head on repeat...
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u/Legs2MyRavioli Feb 24 '25
My best friend and I in hs we would talk on the bus a lot and instead of interrupting we kinda just patted our bags excitedly when we had something to say, but it didn’t really help with forgetting lol
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u/Agitated_Ad_1093 ADHD with non-ADHD partner Feb 24 '25
GENIUS! Stealing this! Now I just have to learn the ASL alphabet
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u/ashlpea Feb 24 '25
That’s awesome and I’m the only one I’ve ever met who was scared of mascots! Interesting!
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u/Icy-Tomatillo-7556 Feb 24 '25
I do something similar. I’ll count on my fingers. When a though pops up, I discretely put a finger out (like on my leg or arm) and then share each thought when the other person is done.
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u/Stuwars9000 Feb 24 '25
Shut the front door!!
Not so much now, but I totally sign the first letters of some thing (T F for tuna fish) or spell the word repeatedly and quickly while waiting in a conversation. Sometimes I would count with ASL numbers.
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u/Extension-Ad7022 Feb 25 '25
OH MY GOD I DO THIS TOO. this is actually insane i didn’t know other people did this. it’s so convenient i’ve actually noticed myself interrupting ppl less, i literally did it just a few days ago in therapy and now i think i’m gonna tell my therapist about it bc holy shit i’m not the only one. op u and i are geniuses 😌
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u/Synn1982 Feb 27 '25
Some day in the far future: well kids, I read something on reddit, which caused me to hyperfocus on learning the ASL alphabet. But then 2 days later I decided to buy a puppy. And that's why I can only spell A - K and the pup is named Cake.
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u/meghammatime19 Feb 28 '25
Yooo I do things like this too but I love the ASL tip specifically! Great for practicing too hehe. Thanks for sharing!
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u/Master_Ad1130 ADHD-PI (Primarily Inattentive) Mar 01 '25
Looks like a have a new fixation for the next few weeks!! Learning American Sign Language.
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u/Camp_Inch Mar 01 '25
I do this. I also DO IT WHILE DRIVING. Sorry for suddenly yelling, but I wanted the tip to stand out. I always remember things when driving, but it's not exactly safe to pull out a pen while on the road, so I just hold my hand in the letter of the thing until I get to my destination.
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u/Genybear12 ADHD-C (Combined type) Feb 24 '25 edited Feb 24 '25
When I was about 8 I wanted to be able to talk to the neighbor boy and he was deaf so I taught myself but he also taught me more. When my daughter was 2 she didn’t talk and we knew she wasn’t deaf but that something was going on so I taught her which made it where till she actually said her first word and sentences we would know what she wanted/needed.
Funnily enough because I learned ASL I can “ease drop” on those who speak it but with everything I don’t do it often because it’s an invasion of privacy.
ETA: it’s second nature to me to sign as I’m talking so I’ve probably done your idea without realizing it
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u/Dalisca ADHD-PI Feb 24 '25
When I was a kid I used to try to talk faster than my mouth could move so I would in essence finger sign my thoughts to slow myself down.
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u/ThePeej Feb 24 '25
You’re externalizing your working memory; placing a hint for yourself in your environment! Nicely done.
I used to be very very bad at remembering names. Very bad. Then 4 years ago, I realized that when I DO remember a name, I do slowly, one letter at a time, visually in my mind.
So I ran an experiment that was game changing: when I meet someone & they tell me their name, I maintain eye contact with them while I repeat their name, then try to spell it out loud. As I’m spelling it out loud, I’m also scribing it on my left forearm with my right index finger.
A couple fun things happen:
The person feels very seen & delighted to have someone so interested in meeting them (with mixed results, obvs. A small percentage of people will find me insufferable, I get it.)
When I get the spelling right, they’re VERY delighted. Then they get to tell me how few people actually get it right!
If I get the spelling wrong, that’s ok, because it allows them to continue talking about themselves, which I think people enjoy. I also get write it out again on my arm. If I’ve guessed the spelling wrong, I’ll usually write it out on my arm 2-3x to make sure I etch the shapes of the letterforms into my long term memory.
It’s not perfect. But if I see the person again within a couple months, I almost always see the first letter of their name crystal clear in my head.
I wonder what part of your brain makes the connection between the physical sign (this is muscle memory & special awareness on steroids!!) and the word. Can you “see” the letter in your mind, triggered by the hand symbol? Or do you actually -think- in ASL?
VERY COOL! Thank you for sharing 🥳
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u/frankkiejo Feb 25 '25
OMG! I do this too! Years ago I was desperate for a way to remember things I wanted to say while not interrupting others and it came to me at some point out of sheer panic and resourcefulness! 🤣
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u/goody-goody Feb 27 '25
Thank you! Ironically, someone in class said they’re afraid of mascots just a couple days ago and I was like, “what??? Like the furries and stuff???” I could have quietly folded three digits over my thumb and let her go on with the story in peace! Thank you again and again and again for this tip.
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u/Repulsive-Bet-6293 Feb 28 '25
THIS HAS HELPED SO MUCH PERSONALLY.
Like about a year ago, I had like the sudden urge to learn ASL, so I stayed at it for like a month but then I lost interest (as the story usually goes). I have the basics down, but one thing I love to do is either sign or spell out my thoughts so that I don't blurt shit out either during convos or just generally.
I even do this for like music and like everything, just sign either what the person is saying to keep like a basic track of it, or any thoughts that pop up so that you could like get back to them after the person's done talking.
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