Q: Dear Todd, Perhaps you have some advice for people who are different—whether it’s ADHD, autism, or high sensitivity—on how to find their place in society. We often live on the fringes, but not at the center of society.

TODD ANSWERS: As a person who considers myself in this category with my history of ADHD and high sensitivity, I struggled with this for a long time. Ultimately the place we can all reach is to develop the inner strength of listening to our own heart, following our own path, and having the courage to be alone rather than trying to fit in by being someone else. This is how we carve out a life for ourselves that is true to ourself and does not create inner conflict. I

t means when we are with others, we enjoy their presence even if it may be challenging. And when we are alone, we find peace in the solitude and in the fortunate opportunity we have for stillness and silence. Most people have a “grass is greener” mentality, where they find relationships difficult and loneliness dreadful. Flip that around to find what is special in both messy and fun relationships, and in peaceful solitude.