Women often talk about the “mental load.”

I, personally, have had this conversation with my husband countless times. It goes something like this:

Me: “If I didn’t think of everything that has to get done, it wouldn’t get done. Why do I have to do everything?”

Him: “You don’t have to do everything, just tell me what you need me to do and I’ll do it.”

Me: “But, that’s the point. If I have to tell you what to do, I still have to think about it.”

Can you relate?

These conflicts typically get triggered before a holiday, family event, or other scenario where the day-to-day responsibilities are intensified. We start to feel overwhelmed, unappreciated, and unsupported. Watching our partner check emails, take their time getting ready, or grab a seat on the couch, while we’re rushing around wrapping gifts, preparing food, and blow drying our hair can be pretty frustrating.

Luckily, this week we’re talking to Dr. Morgan Cutlip about sharing the mental load. We discussed what the mental load really is, how to open up a conversation with your partner about it, and the specific process to work through as a couple to share the responsibilities more fairly. If this is something you’ve struggled with in your relationship, be sure to listen in.