Impromptu Stock Pile - ADHD Marriage Comic

Shopping is not something my husband enjoys, even if it’s for an errand. However, he understands it happens, and he always steps up to the task to get it done, even when he has to return to the store a second time to get what we need. Over time, we’ve developed a few strategies to make these errands smoother, especially when it is a shopping errand.

Here are three tried-and-true solutions that have worked wonders for us:

1. Order Online and Pick Up in Store

If time permits, I always try to order the items online and ask my ADHD spouse to pick them up for me. This ensures I get what I want and removes the complexity of finding the items for him. He just needs to go to the store, show the order confirmation, and voilà! The exact items are handed over without any guesswork involved.

2. Send a Picture to the phone or Bring the Packaging

When online ordering isn’t an option due to time constraints, sending a picture of the product to my ADHD spouse’s phone or having him bring the packaging with him is the next best thing. Before my husband leaves the house, he either takes the packaging or gets a photo from me on his phone. At the store, he can refer to the packaging or the picture to match the exact product. This visual cue is incredibly helpful and takes the pressure off him to remember every detail, allowing for a quick and accurate match at the store.

3. Provide a Backup Option

Sometimes, despite the best efforts, our first choice is out of stock. To prepare for this possibility, I always have a backup plan. Along with the picture of my favorite shampoo, I also send a picture of my second-choice product. Communicating clearly which is the primary choice and which is the backup ensures that if the first product isn’t available, my husband has a safe fallback option. This strategy avoids multiple trips and ensures I still end up with a product I like, even if my top choice isn’t available.

These methods have made my ADHD spouse's errand-running much smoother. Plus, they add a layer of confidence for my ADHD spouse, knowing he has the right tools to succeed.

Do you have other effective solutions like ours? Share your systems by commenting below and let's learn from each other.