Skip to main content
book cover for Why Does Everybody Hate Me?

Why Does Everybody Hate Me?

Living and Loving with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria

You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now

Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app


1

To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.

2

Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.

Pub Date 24 Mar 2026 | Archive Date 8 Apr 2026

John Murray Press US | Sheldon Press


Talking about this book? Use #na #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

Your boss asked you for a chat, and you just knew you were going to be fired
You didn't sleep all weekend, and you weren't fired

Someone answered your message with a thumbs-up emoji and you just knew they hated you.
So you stopped talking to them, they eventually stopped texting, and now you miss them like crazy

Someone went for a bathroom break mid-film, and you just knew it's because they think your taste in films is terrible
You were so upset you missed the rest of the film, and they left early

Rejection is physically painful for you. Even the most minor criticism stings. And why wouldn't it? By the time you were 12, you'd received 20,000 negative messages about yourself, your brain and your unique ADHD way of living life.

20,000.

Alex Partridge knows how it feels to live with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), the state of emotional dysregulation experienced by almost everyone with ADHD. Throughout his journey from successful entrepreneur to neurodiversity campaigner and host of the hugely successful ADHD Chatter, Alex has been haunted by the fear of rejection, labelled 'over-sensitive', and fought constantly against the desire to people-please and protect himself from emotional harm.

In Why Does Everybody Hate Me? Alex draws on his own experience of RSD, and shares how it's coloured every aspect of his life, from his days as founder of the global social media content brands UniLad and LadBible, to his adult relationships, his mental health struggles and his terrible imposter syndrome. He'll use the insights he's gained from the world's top experts on ADHD to share with you some simple steps to regaining your boundaries, your confidence and your self-belief.

You are not 'too sensitive' - nor are you broken. You were always enough.

Your boss asked you for a chat, and you just knew you were going to be fired
You didn't sleep all weekend, and you weren't fired

Someone answered your message with a thumbs-up emoji and you just knew...


Advance Praise

RSD is very real; Alex knows what he is talking about, and is a crucial voice on neurodivergence. This book is a great tonic for anyone who struggles with rejection. - Matt Haig

[Alex's book] is thorough, articulate, beautifully written, and validating for people with RSD. It is perfectly crafted for all those whose lives are distorted by perceptions of being hated, but who here can feel seen and accepted. A wonderful and much needed contribution. - William Dodson, MD, LF-APA

It takes a true visionary and a genuinely passionate advocate to take on something as painfully misunderstood as Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, and Alex Partridge is that person. This passionate and profoundly moving book speaks directly to all those who struggle with one of the most challenging elements of ADHD, reassuring them that their lives do not need to be blighted by these awful feelings and offering them a guiding light in the darkness. Brilliant, honest, beautiful, and essential reading for all of us in the ADHD community - and beyond. - Edward Hallowell, MD

So few people understand how painful RSD is to live with, and how it can affect every part of someone's life. Alex really gets it. By bringing RSD out of the shadows in this brilliant book, he takes away the stigma and the shame, replacing them with compassion, understanding and hope. - Dr Alex George

Alex is so good at opening up the conversation about the most difficult and distressing parts of life with ADHD - this is such a helpful book for anyone who wonders why they constantly feel so ashamed and broken. Lots of practical advice, lots of kind words to support the reader - this book will make a huge difference to very many people. - Susannah Constantine

Once again Alex has produced a book that is essential reading for people who are living with ADHD. Understanding RSD is vital for the person who has ADHD and the people in the lives of someone who has ADHD. Alex explains with kindness, compassion and wit, how to live with RSD and no, everyone doesn't hate you, it's RSD! - Dr Mark Rackley

RSD is very real; Alex knows what he is talking about, and is a crucial voice on neurodivergence. This book is a great tonic for anyone who struggles with rejection. - Matt Haig

[Alex's book] is...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781399827836
PRICE £16.99 (GBP)
PAGES 256

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Reader (PDF)
NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)
Send to Kindle (PDF)
Download (PDF)

Average rating from 63 members


Featured Reviews

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Why Does Everybody Hate Me? (2026) by Alex Partridge is a transformative must-read for anyone living with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). Partridge balances raw personal vulnerability with expert insights to explain why neurodivergent individuals often feel an overwhelming, physical pain from perceived rejection.

This book is life-changing because it finally puts a name to the "broken" feeling many ADHDers carry, offering practical tools to stop people-pleasing and rebuild self-worth. It’s a validating, compassionate guide that turns 20,000 negative messages into a path for healing.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

As someone who was late diagnosed with ADHD at age 38, Rejection Sensitivity Disorder (RSD) has been the hardest aspect of it to deal with and it still is. I discovered Alex's podcast before my diagnosis and it is partially the reason I fought for an assessment. After reading and personally responding well to his first book, "Now it All Makes Sense", I knew "Why Does Everybody Hate me?" was going to be a must read. Alex's voice is clear and sincere throughout each of the chapters, which are kept informative and concise (perfect for ADHD minds) to help the reader retain the information. Using personal experiences and stories from others who also experience RSD, Alex has once again given us a book that is indispensable reading for people who are living with ADHD. Each chapter holds methods Alex has used to help cope with the thoughts and emotions that RSD situations and spirals can lead to, there is even a chapter for how those with children who have ADHD can communicate best with them and help their children from a younger age deal with all of these big thoughts and feelings in a healthier way. Understanding RSD is vital for any individual who has ADHD as well as the people in the lives of someone who has ADHD. I do wish there was more information available for couples where both of the individuals have ADHD and RSD, though this is not an issue with Alex's work, more to do with the lack of research and information in the world generally. With kindness, compassion and wit, Alex has provided help for how to live with RSD and no, everyone doesn't hate you.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

I found this book incredibly insightful and feel as though I’ve learnt a lot about myself as well as understanding others. Excellent representation of ADHD and RSD.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Sheldon Press for the advanced copy

Full disclaimer, I am not diagnosed with ADHD or autism, I do have a "developmental disorder not otherwise specified" one, which is what you will get if you are a woman over 35 in France (it should be on the ASD spectrum, but not in France, I could talk about my country and neurodiversity and women for hours, but now is not the time). I do tick all the boxes of RSD though, which is why I picked up this book.

I agree with the author so much : we don't talk enough about RSD when we talk about ADHD (or neurodiversity in general). Forget executive dysfunction, RSD is probably the hardest part of it all because it makes relationships (all kind of relationships) so much more complicated ; it's also probably a big contributor of burnout because it is exhausting to overthink social interactions like that.

This book explains what RSD is really well (I truly believe that the best way to beat something is to actually understand it) and why it's so prevalent in people with ADHD and will often be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. The advice given is really good and can actually also be useful to people with anxiety disorders, when a situation becomes too much the best thing to do is to take a step back and reframe. I do love that the author doesn't promise a cure (there isn't one) or miracles, he just gives tools that worked for him or other people with RSD. You can't get rid of RSD, but you can learn how to live with it and how to make your life better. The part about the workplace was the best one imo, workplace relationships are the trickiest for me

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

Alex's book provides a great explainer for those not familiar with RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) as well as for those who've never realized there's a name and explanation for the feelings many ADHD'ers struggle with (myself included). 

Thanks to NetGalley and John Murray Press US/Sheldon Press for the ARC edition of this book.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

I follow Alex on social media so his views and knowledge on ADHD aren't quite new. And this is the exact reason I wanted to read his book because his social media posts have always been spot on descriptions of my own life. He actually contributed quite a bit of me filling in an ADHD questionnaire at work, and low and behold...my score went through the roof.

This book is a next level personal attack 😁 I started wondering if he has been living with me, observing me, I just haven't noticed it yet. I love his analytical mind, breaking down everyday situations and explaining them from the ADHD/RSD perspective. It certainly explained a lot of things from my 40 something years, when I just couldn't understand why I didn't fit in and thought that there was something wrong with me. Well, it turns out, there is, but it's normal 😊

I highly recommend this book, it's entertaining, it' funny, it's educational, it's reflective. It remjnds me of Dean Burnette's The Idiot Brain.

Thank you NetGalley and Alex for the ARC, great book

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

Incredible read for anyone who has RSD, or loves someone with RSD. I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child,, but didnt fully understand how much of my life it impacts until adulthood. books like this really help me understand how I am different.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars

Some good feedback and information in this book however as someone with ADHD I did find it very wordy (I often want ones abit more concise, to the point, with diagrams or visuals sometimes. I did find myself skimming over parts quite largely with alot of repetitive things in there. Good for someone wanting a very detailed read on RSD.

3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This book was very relatable! I struggle with RSD as part of my ADHD and found myself nodding along and saying "yep, yep!" at multiple parts. Also, "ten highly caffeinated squirrels running around my brain" is exactly how I would describe my brain too!

RSD is not new to me; it's something I learnt about a long time ago when I was diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. Over the years my RSD has greatly improved due to management strategies, however I do still struggle with it and I did appreciate the strategies laid out in the book. I think they will be beneficial to many ADHDers. Personally I would have preferred if they were in a separate section rather than interspersed throughout the book, just for ease of finding them.

I especially liked that the author include a small section and some strategies for ADHD parents with RSD, of ADHD children with RSD. The challenges of being a neurodivergent (ND) parent of an ND child are not discussed enough and many self-help books leave this out.

The book does have a lot of personal anecdotes in, which I liked as I found many of them relatable. However, those who don't like personal anecdotes in their self-help books may not appreciate this.

Overall, I thought this was a great exploration of RSD that really explains how debilitating it can be. It also does a good job of providing clear and useful strategies in an accessible way. I think this book will resonate with a great deal of ADHDers!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

A must-read for anyone struggling with RSD - but even more so, for anyone who wants to support someone living with RSD. Partridge offers a masterclass on how to approach a topic with care and sensitivity, without catering to the skeptics or those who may overly embrace a title or symptom. Full of anecdotes to help people see themselves or their loved ones and pragmatic advice, this is a must read.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Having read this author's previous books and followed him on social media I'm now even more a great fan. This book resonates incredibly well and he explains things in a very relatable way. Highly recommend.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Alex will always have a special place in my heart. Because of him and his videos on Instagram, I learned about AuDHD in women and that has been the start of my very important mental health journey. So, the fact that NetGalley gave me the option to already read this book was amazing.

Alex has a way of describing things from the brain in a very real and honest way. I immediately get what he's saying, and it feels soft and connecting. But because he also explains a lot of the neurodivergent background, stuff now makes sense.

His books feel validating as a neurodivergent person, but also gives me a lot of tools for everyday life. I also use his words often to describe my experience to people close to me, because finding the words for these experiences has always been hard for me. It has only been recently that I found out not everybody's brain works this way, and it still feels weird to describe things that feel so logically for me.

In this book, Alex does that again with a very important topic: RSD. When I first heard him talking about this on Instagram, I remember sending that reel to a friend and talking with her about the fact that this is apparently not the case for every human being!? I was quite surprised by that, and it has been interesting to learn more about this, and this book has been such an interesting eye-opener for that.

For example: I never thought I had ADHD because I was very structured, I really struggled with perfectionism. BUT, that turns out because I was SO afraid of what would happen if I wasn't a perfect student! And my parents were not being intimidating about this or anything, this was really all in my own head. I was always so busy trying my very best..

Also, people-pleasing is a THING for me. I really have a hard time setting boundaries and taking care of myself. I feel very lucky that this never put me in any dangerous situations..

I think those two elements really contributed to my current burn-out, so better understanding how my brain works is an important step to healing and building up a healthy life. Books like this are incredibly helpful and important so I'm really glad it's here.

I don't recognize everything in this book and not all the tills will help me, but it does feel like a complete package with everything in it that people could experience and with all the tools that could be helpful, and I think that's what makes a great self-help book.

I also think it is important because these types of books make it easier for people who don't experience this themself, to understand what it's like and to understand people around them, loved ones or colleagues.

But I do have to note that not all the work place tips are suitable for every job. In this book it is talked about ‘at the office’, but for example I work in retail so I cannot take a break to catch my breath any time I feel the need. So that part feels a bit specific. I know a lot of people work in offices, but also a lot of people don't.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

Why Does Everybody Hate Me? puts language to a feeling many people recognize but rarely articulate: the intense emotional reaction to perceived rejection. Alex Partridge’s voice is candid, funny, and disarming, and his personal stories make the concept of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria feel accessible rather than clinical. I appreciated how often the book made me stop and think, oh wow, that’s me.

That said, the book is light on structure and depth, sometimes reading more like a collection of relatable anecdotes than a fully developed guide. While comforting and validating — especially for readers new to RSD or ADHD — it may feel a bit surface-level for those already familiar with the topic. Still, it’s an engaging, affirming read that succeeds at making people feel less alone, which goes a long way.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

huh, so this is what's wrong with me 🤔 . .

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars

A good and solid primer on a subject that has remained too long in the shadows in some part due to shame, but also because trying to explain it to someone who hasn’t been there is an incredibly difficult undertaking. This book will help those who suffer from Rejection-Sensitive Dysphoria and the friends and family of sufferers. I would like more pictures, but that just may be a personal preference on my part: self-help benefits from colorful pictures and graphics.

3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This book is a must-read for anyone who has ADHD, loves someone with ADHD, parents someone with ADHD, or simply knows someone with ADHD. Actually, this book is just a must-read for anyone. RSD is a very real but very misunderstood aspect of ADHD and other neurotypical disorders, and learning how to manage it (or support those who struggle with it) can be life-changing or even life-saving.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

3.5/4 Stars

I appreciated the passion and vulnerability that went into writing this book. It was definitely a great introductory read on RSD. I gave it 3.5 stars because the book was very repetitive, and I found myself skimming to get to new information and/or strategies. The book could have been quite a bit shorter. It also would have been helpful to include graphs and some pictures or illustrations to break things up throughout.

Overall, it was an interesting read, and I learned a bit about myself and others in my life.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

Alex Partridge offers a really thorough and easy to follow study of RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria). There is practical advice for life with RSD and examples of what he and others experience in day to day life with the condition. I found that he was very good at recapping advice, especially at the end and that the content itself was incredibly compassionate.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

I found this nonfiction book to be incredibly eye opening! It really did capture my attention right at the very beginning. Before reading this book, I had not heard of RSD and what it was. I can relate to a lot of the symptoms it has. I always seem to think the worst of everything. RSD stands for the term Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria. It’s for people who are always called sensitive, which is me! Furthermore, RSD is an intense emotional pain tied to actual or perceived rejection/criticism, which is discussed in ADHD patients.

This book made me have a broader understanding of RSD and its symptoms. I felt hopeful, not alone and optimistic while reading this book. It was very well written, easy to read and came with tools for people that do have RSD. I highly recommend reading this book! I will be purchasing the physical copy of this book when it is released. Overall, I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Alex Partridge, John Murray Press US and Sheldon Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be released on March 24, 2026!

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

Great title for a very much needed and urgent to talk about topic: RSD - Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria.

Many people with ADHD can relate to the feeling of "Why does everybody hate me?".

Partridge starts by defining what RSD feels like, the symptoms, the challenges, the downs (and ups), and offers solutions to control or tackle it.

What the book does best is finding your crowd, knowing you are not alone, and that not everybody hates you.

I hope the publisher and the author continue to cover these topics, and keep their nuanced, inclusive, approachable voice.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Alex Partridge for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
As a Gen X woman who sought help her whole life and never got it, who had to self diagnose through the process of fighting the system to get two of my children officially diagnosed with ADHD, I was excited to read this book!
I had never heard of RSD, so this was very enlightening. Incredibly validating to learn that I was not in fact the only person who thinks and feels the way I do. I started hi-lighting passages immediately, it was as if I had written the words on the pages myself describing my experiences. The author gives strategies for handling the struggles of RSD and how to recognize the lies our brains tell us. I sure wish I had this type of resource growing up, even more so when I had my own children. Communication would have been so much easier! I have asked my husband to read this book to better understand me and our adult kids. It is wild how different ADHD presents in people, but there are always components of the same. The biggest take away is that we are not alone, we are not broken, we are enough.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

I didn’t realise going in that 'Why Does Everybody Hate Me?' has such a strong focus on ADHD, with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) as a key theme. Even though I don’t have an ADHD or RSD diagnosis, I found myself relating deeply to the behaviours described. The explanations were validating, and the advice felt genuinely practical and helpful rather than abstract.
The book is easy to read, engaging, and compassionate in tone, making it enjoyable as well as insightful. I came away with a better understanding of my own reactions and some useful tools I can actually apply.
Thank you for the ARC.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

3.5 stars rounded up.

This book offers a much-needed and insightful look into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and the impact it can have, particularly for people with ADHD. It does an excellent job of helping readers understand why we react the way we do, identify our triggers, and feel less alone in those experiences. I found the content extremely validating, and I appreciated the practical strategies provided that readers can begin to apply in their own lives.

The personal anecdotes were a standout and felt very relatable, adding warmth and authenticity to the material.

That said, the book was extremely repetitive at times, which made it difficult to maintain focus—somewhat ironic given that it’s written for an ADHD audience. While the repetition may be helpful for some readers, it occasionally detracted from the overall reading experience for me.

Overall, this is a helpful and affirming resource for anyone seeking to better understand RSD, even if it could benefit from tighter editing.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Firstly a big thank you to allowing me access to this , I’m a big fan of Alex’s work so was thrilled .
I got diagnosed with ADHD last year at 42 so there’s a personal connection to his books .
This one yet again just like his debut made me emotional ,seen and validated .
A thoughtful well written piece on a subject that a lot of people are unaware of but it really is a side of adhd that effects you daily .
This book has useful tips ,personal insights and reflections and other people’s experiences.
This is the type of book you want everyone to read even if they aren’t ADHD themselves but just to raise awareness.
Rejection sensitivity Dysphoria is a very real and debilitating part of living with ADHD especially for those who are late diagnosed and have spent years combating the pain,guilt and shame that comes from experiencing it .
It’s so important to read these books and get more people talking so people don’t feel alone or silly or judged .
Thank you to Alex for writing and talking about ADHD and making strangers feel less strange .

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Thank you Netgalley for this earc. All opinions are my own.

What a wonderful book. Alex had one of my favourite Instagram accounts on Instagram and he has helped me understand a lot about myself already. This book added so much to all of his videos.
It is nicely structured, kept my attention easily (no small feat, seeing I am the target audience), and felt really personal.
I admire Alex' vulnerability, and how every story will help his audience feel better about themselves. Gifting this book to someone else will definitely tell them you value them!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I’d give this a 3.5/4 stars I think, as I had moments where I thought it was really good and I certainly found it relatable but at other points, it felt slightly repetitive.

Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Alex Patridge for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I picked this book out not really knowing what it was about. I am not diagnosed with ADHD, nor do I think I have ADHD. What I do know is, that I am struggling with my mental health and that the sentence "Why does everybody hate me" have crossed my mind several times. I struggle in social settings, avoid conflicts and feel better off on my own. This book has been a great read. It made me feel less alone, it was the only time I really felt like somebody was able to look inside my brain and described scenarios that are so familiar to me.
It also gave good idea in how to navigate these, how to calm yourself down and that probably not everyone hates you :D

It is very anecdotal. The author draws mainly from their own experience and mentions that RSD haven't been studied enough yet. I would have liked it a bit more if there were at least some studies included, some sources or some people that are actively researching this topic. It also get quite repetitive, I understand why it is done, but it also got me skimming at parts.

It is a very fast read and it helped me reflect a bit more in which situations I might just be trying to please people and pay attention on my masking behaviour. People with ADHD might get even more out of it. And I can recommend it to anyone interested or understanding your loved ones who might be struggling with RSD.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

As someone with ADHD, I’ve found myself asking the titular question “why does everybody hate me?” so many times in my life. Learning about Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is an essential step in every ADHDers journey, given its huge prevalence in the community. This book does a great job at normalizing RSD and I think it will help a lot of people.

Thank you to Net Galley, Sheldon Press, and John Murray Press US for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

I really appreciated the chapter about how to support someone with RSD. Very helpful. Four stars overall!

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This book has a lot of really helpful information. I think it was put together well and I learned a lot. I like the reframing question of “what do you mean by that?” and I’m going to start applying it to my life! This book would have been so valuable to have earlier in my life! I would recommend it for anyone that struggles with rejection harder than most people.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

Well, that hit close to home!

I was diagnosed with ADHD as a pre-teen, and I never knew about the term Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) until now. I do believe the author's information and personal experiences in the book were helpful in understanding the book's overall topic.

The author’s writing felt pretty ADHD-coded to me. I personally did not feel bothered by it. In fact, it felt like having a conversation with another friend who has ADHD. However, I can see why this type of writing may be complex to follow for some ADHD-ers and people who do not have ADHD.

When it comes to some of the author's suggestions, I found some useful, while I do not think others fit me. We ADHD people are not exactly the same, so while I may struggle with some of the suggestions, another person may find them useful. I do not want to make a definitive conclusion about the suggestions.

Overall, I am very happy that I have read this book and learned a new term that I do believe applies to me, at least here and there.

I would suggest this book to people with ADHD, people who know someone with ADHD that they care about, and people who are curious about ADHD.

Huge thanks to Netgalley, John Murray Press US | Sheldon Press, and Alex Partridge for this advanced reader’s copy.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars

Why Does Everybody Hate Me? by Alex Partridge
A sharp, relatable look at rejection sensitivity and how quickly the brain can turn neutral moments into full-blown emotional spirals. It’s validating without being coddling, and practical without feeling like a lecture. It can get a little repetitive in places, but that repetition also mirrors how these thought loops actually work.

3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

I read Why Does Everybody Hate Me? by Alex Partridge and found it an honest, relatable exploration of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and its impact on life with ADHD. The examples of spiralling over small interactions felt painfully familiar, and Alex’s openness about his own experiences — from entrepreneurship to relationships and mental health — makes the book feel authentic and grounded. Blending personal insight with expert input, it offers reassuring, practical steps towards stronger boundaries and self-belief, with a clear message throughout: you’re not broken, and you were always enough.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This is part memoir, part guide, overall it's a compassionate, funny, deeply validating exploration of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and the way it shapes every corner of life with ADHD.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Thank you so much to Alex Partridge and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read Why does everybody hate me? as an ARC, I feel changed for the better having read it. I truly believe everyone who is neurodivergent or suspects they could be would benefit from reading this book and I have already recommended it to so many friends who I know share these struggles.

This book is far from the usual fantasy, romance, horror and sci-fi I usually read, and it might be one of the most powerful books I've ever had the joy to read.

I was diagnosed with ADHD late in life after a lifetime of masking my symptoms behind anxiety and perfectionism. It was exhausting and getting a diagnosis as a high achiever who seemingly didn't exhibit the "typical" attention deficit that is applied to all cases of ADHD was far from easy.

Having read this book, if this had been a diagnostic criteria or I'd been asked even one question about RSD in my assessment I truly believe my psychiatrist would not have been so dismissive of my experience with ADHD because it wasn't the "usual" expression of it.

I was moved to tears by this book because it allowed me to finally pull apart my experiences with RSD, while providing techniques I can implement to try to help manage this part of my brain. One of the greatest things that has always helped me was finding out my experience was shared and this book has this in spades.

As a former teacher I wish this book had been around when I was training so I could explain why my classroom was a mess, why I struggled with criticism, and why so many of my students obviously felt the same. The strategies in these books should be taught in schools, offices, universities and included in management training so everyone has the support they need to succeed.

I know this is a book I will revisit and recommend. I look forward to adding it to my toolkit to support my ADHD brain and attempt to be kinder to my inner child.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

As someone with very likely having RSD, this was a very useful and informing read! As the author mentions in the book, RSD isn't something widely known, so it is difficult to find information about it. It felt good to recognize things I go through and have some explanations for how and why.

The writing was great, not too many difficult words to get overwhelming, but also not written as if the author belittles you. There's the occasional humor thrown in between the information making this book feel relatively light rather than a long dump of information.

I am planning on getting a physical copy once the book is published so that I can highlight some things I want to remember or really relate to. I definitely recommend this book for fellow ADHD-ers who experience RSD symptoms, but also people who don't. It shines a good light on how our brains work and could help people who don't experience this figure out how to respond.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for making this book available as an ARC! And thank you to the author for writing this book. My review on Storygraph and socials will follow soon as I'm not 100% done with reading yet, however I'm not likely to change my mind about this review and I wanted to have submitted it in time.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

For me, this book is a 10! Why? It explains so much about me...even in the title. Alex Partridge, I don't know what made you choose this subject, but I am one librarian who is grateful, extremely grateful. Over the years, as my self esteem has continued to plummet, I began reading self-help books. This one may save my life and the lives of others. God bless you.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

A great book for anyone who is struggling with ADHD and anxiety, gives actionable tips and things that you can do in your everyday life to help with stress.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Why Does Everybody Hate Me? by Alex Partridge was one of my most highly anticipated books of 2026. As someone recently diagnosed with ADHD, learning about Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria felt like a lightbulb switching on. Suddenly, so much made sense, why I’m ultra-sensitive, why emotional pain can feel unbearable, and why I’ve often felt like I don’t quite fit in anywhere.

I discovered Alex’s fantastic podcast and have been learning more about ADHD and RSD ever since.

I loved every page of this book. It felt like sitting with a friend who truly understands you. I appreciate the time and care that went into writing it, and I honestly wish I could sit down with Alex and talk about it for a few hours.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This is the book that I wish I had read 20 or more years ago! One of the reasons that I started my journey to being diagnosed with ADHD was seeing Alex. Partridge on social media and then listening to his very informative podcast. I recently read Now it all makes sense, his previous title and was amazed that it was like reading about myself! When I saw this title, about dealing with RSD, I knew it had to go to the top of my reading pile. I hadn't even heard of RSD before learning about it through Alex and now I realise that it's the thing that has been responsible for making me feel awful about myself for most of my life.
This book is written with so much knowledge, but moreover, so much compassion. It is a must-read for anyone new to ADHD and anyone who finds their life ruled by RSD.
Thank you so much to Alex Partridge for writing this important book, I can't tell you how much it has changed my view of myself for the better!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

An informative, honest book that discusses an important topic near and dear to anyone with ADHD. Absolutely a useful and informative read.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars

As I have friends my age recently diagnosed with ADHD, I wanted to know more about it. I also have a degree on Psychology and I wasn't aware of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. I found it very informative but very repetitive nonetheless. It offers a lot of good tips for those struggling and for those supporting. Overall, it was a good read.

3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
3 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

As an ADHD girlie (probably AuDHD to be honest), I felt like someone took the inner thoughts in my brain and canvassed them into writing. I can relate to Alex’s descriptions of ADHD and RSD on a molecular level. Alex breaks it down to an easy to understand and digestible format, keeping the attention of my ADHD mind. The personal stories humanize a condition that is so hard to explain. I think that this is a great book to not just those of us with RSD and ADHD, but for those close to us (specifically my spouse, in my case).

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

If you have ADHD or love someone who does, this one is worth your time. Alex Partridge tackles Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, the part of ADHD that makes perceived rejection feel physically painful, with honesty, humor, and real compassion. The chapters are short and focused, which feels intentional for ADHD readers, and Partridge's voice is warm throughout. You never feel lectured. You feel seen. For anyone who has spent years wondering why everything feels so personal, this book finally gives it a name and a way forward.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

This book is about Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), which is a condition many people with ADHD have, but it is not an official DSM diagnosis and therefore we have a severe lack of research on the topic, even though it’s very real. This author is not a mental health professional - he’s a late-diagnosed ADHD’er with RSD who has a podcast called “ADHD Chatter”, and he’s talked to over 10,000 people with ADHD and RSD. So just know that this information is anecdotal BUT anecdotal is all we have until we invest in more research on this topic. (Also I’m afraid to critique a book by an author with RSD, but I am a book reviewer, sorry Alex!) I felt reading this like the author was describing pretty severe cases of RSD, and portraying it as maybe more common than it is…? But what do I know, I don’t have ADHD! As I said, more research needed! That said, Partridge gives many great examples where you can really see how this would play out at work & in relationships. He gives lots of useful ideas & tips for coping and lots of reassurance that you are not “too much”. I’m so happy this book is in the world - we need so much more on this topic, but for now if you are a therapist, please read this & provide this info to your ADHD clients. It could literally save a life.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

I am so grateful for Alex Partridge and his very accessible ADHD books. The first one helped me tremendously, and this one is amazing too! It has really helped me with my rejection sensitivity and has great ways to help me help myself manage it better.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: