Have you ever sent someone a meme, a song, a TikTok, or a photo of a sunrise with no explanation just because it made you think of them?In this episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy, Ph.D., explores pebbling: small bids for emotional connection that are especially common among neurodivergent adults.The term comes from penguin behavior: some penguin species offer small pebbles to potential mates as gestures of care. In humans, pebbling looks like sending a meme, an article, a random thought, or a video that says, “You’re on my mind,” without demanding a full conversation.We explore:Why pebbling resonates so strongly with ADHD brains (associative thinking, dopamine, and object permanence challenges)How pebbling helps maintain relational presence when you don’t see people regularlyThe difference between healthy micro-connection and hidden demands for reassuranceWhat happens when your pebbling style doesn’t match someone else’sHow anxious attachment, rejection sensitivity, or demand avoidance can complicate small bids for connectionIf you’ve ever wondered why sending a meme feels easier than saying “I miss you,” this episode will help you understand the nervous system strategy behind it and how to use it in a healthy way.Sign up for N.E.R.D. Notes and get weekly nerdy neurodivergent insights!Book a Clarity Call with ReginaAbout Dr. Regina McMenomy, PhDRegina is a neurodivergent coach and educator who helps late-diagnosed adults unmask, heal from burnout, and build lives aligned with how their brains work. She founded Divergent Paths Consulting to provide the type of coaching and support that late-diagnosed nerdy neurodivergent folks in educational leadership and tech fields need when they receive their late diagnoses.

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