Are You Fighting About Social Events or About Social Battery? Quiz

Are You Fighting About Social Events—or About Social Battery?

Understanding Energy Depletion in Neurodiverse Relationships

Important Note: Social battery depletion is a real neurological phenomenon for many neurodivergent individuals. This quiz helps distinguish between relationship conflicts about social preferences versus conflicts about energy management and recovery needs. Understanding the difference can transform how you navigate social life together.

Question 0 of 20

1

Does your partner understand that socializing physically drains your energy, not just your willingness?

Yes, completely - they get that it's physiological

Somewhat - they understand intellectually but not emotionally

Not really - they think I could push through if I tried

No - they think I'm just being antisocial or difficult

2

How well does your partner recognize when your social battery is running low?

Very well - they notice the signs before I even say anything

Fairly well - when I communicate it clearly

Not well - they miss the signs until I'm depleted

Not at all - they don't believe in "social battery"

3

When you need to leave a social event early, how does your partner typically respond?

Supportively - they leave with me without complaint

Understandingly - though sometimes disappointed

Reluctantly - they feel I'm ruining their fun

Negatively - they pressure me to stay or get upset

4

Do you both understand that different types of social situations drain energy at different rates?

Yes - we discuss which events will be more draining

Somewhat - we're learning to recognize patterns

Not really - my partner thinks all socializing should be the same

No - they don't understand why some events are harder

5

How often do conflicts about social events stem from misunderstanding about energy vs. desire?

Never - we understand it's about energy capacity

Sometimes - we're working on distinguishing the two

Often - my partner thinks I don't want to spend time with them

Always - every social conflict is misinterpreted as rejection

6

Does your partner respect that you need recovery time after social events?

Yes - they help protect my recovery time

Mostly - though they don't always remember

Not really - they want to keep going or talk about it

No - they think I'm being antisocial with them too

7

How well do you plan social commitments around your energy capacity?

Very well - we space events with recovery time

Fairly well - we try to consider energy levels

Not well - we overcommit and it causes problems

Poorly - my partner schedules without considering my battery

8

Does your partner understand that masking in social situations is exhausting?

Yes, completely - they recognize the effort it takes

Somewhat - they're learning about masking

Not really - they think I'm exaggerating

No - they don't understand what masking is

9

How comfortable are you declining social invitations when your battery is low?

Very comfortable - my partner supports my decision

Somewhat comfortable - though I feel some guilt

Uncomfortable - my partner makes me feel bad about it

Very uncomfortable - I push through to avoid conflict

10

Does your partner understand that small talk and chitchat are more draining than deep conversations?

Yes - they get why some socializing is harder

Somewhat - it's counterintuitive to them

Not really - they think all conversation is the same

No - they think I'm just being picky about conversation

11

How well do you communicate about your current social battery level?

Very well - we have a system for communicating energy levels

Fairly well - we're working on clear communication

Not well - I struggle to communicate until I'm depleted

Poorly - I don't feel safe expressing my energy limits

12

Does your partner take it personally when you're socially depleted?

Never - they understand it's not about them

Sometimes - they occasionally feel rejected

Often - they interpret it as withdrawal from them

Always - every energy limit is seen as personal rejection

13

How well do you both navigate situations where one wants to socialize and the other is depleted?

Very well - we have solutions that work for both

Fairly well - we compromise and communicate

Not well - it leads to tension or guilt

Poorly - one person always sacrifices their needs

14

Does your partner understand that social battery depletion can look like physical illness?

Yes - they recognize the physical symptoms

Somewhat - they're learning to recognize signs

Not really - they think I'm being dramatic

No - they dismiss my exhaustion as psychological

15

How supportive is your partner when you need to recharge alone after social events?

Very supportive - they actively facilitate my recovery

Mostly supportive - though they wish we could debrief together

Not very supportive - they feel hurt that I need space

Unsupportive - they prevent me from getting recovery time

16

Do you both understand the difference between introversion and social battery depletion?

Yes - we recognize the neurodivergent aspect

Somewhat - we're learning the distinction

Not really - it's all labeled as "introversion"

No - my partner thinks I just need to try harder

17

How often do you fight about whose family or friends to visit?

Never - we balance it considering energy levels

Sometimes - we're navigating the balance

Often - it's a source of ongoing tension

Constantly - family obligations cause major conflict

18

Does your partner understand that saying "no" to events is self-care, not selfishness?

Yes, completely - they support my boundaries

Mostly - though they sometimes feel disappointed

Not really - they see it as letting people down

No - they view boundaries as antisocial behavior

19

How well do you plan "buffer days" without social obligations?

Very well - we intentionally protect recovery time

Fairly well - we're getting better at it

Not well - we pack our schedule too tightly

Poorly - my partner schedules back-to-back events

20

Overall, how well does your relationship honor your social battery needs?

Very well - my energy needs are respected and planned for

Fairly well - we're improving with practice

Not well - I often push past my limits to keep peace

Poorly - my energy needs cause constant conflict

See Your Results

Your Social Battery Results

Recharging Your Relationship

Managing Social Energy Together

Neurodiverse Couples Counseling

• Learn to distinguish energy issues from relationship issues
• Develop communication systems for battery levels
• Create sustainable social schedules together
• Navigate family obligations with energy awareness
• Build understanding of neurodivergent energy depletion
• Prevent resentment around social expectations

Individual Therapy

• Identify your unique social battery patterns
• Learn to recognize depletion before burnout
• Build confidence in setting social boundaries
• Process shame around energy limitations
• Develop personalized recovery strategies
• Advocate for your energy needs effectively

Ready to stop fighting and start understanding?
Therapy can help you both recognize social battery depletion as a real neurological phenomenon, not a relationship problem, and develop strategies that honor everyone's energy needs.

Schedule a Couples Counseling Session Learn More About Neurodiverse Couples Therapy →