Planning what to cook stressed me in ways that barely made sense to me.
A 2019 study published in theAmerican Sociological Reviewinvolved 70 in-depth interviews with 35 couples.
The researchers also concluded that cognitive labor contributes to gender inequality at the household level.
They also found that this responsibility put a strain on overall wellbeing and satisfaction within the respondents relationships.
So if youre dealing with the mental load and its making you unhappy, youre not alone.
But how can you approach this delicate topic with your partner?
Morgan Cutlip has a PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Akron and holds a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Ohio State University. She completed her predoctoral internship at George Mason University College Counseling and Psychological Services, an American Psychological Association-approved site. Her clinical experience includes working in an array of settings: community mental health, VA hospitals, university counseling centers, and private practice as a relationship consultant.
But dont limit this list to the visible roles you perform; include your thought processes.
Try and think of concrete examples wherever possible.
In other words, have the most propitious circumstances also approaching this delicate set of issues.
If you go into the conversation ready for combat, the outcome may not end how you hoped.
Instead of focusing on one particular chore or activity, you may be able to lessen the load elsewhere.
And it shouldnt have to.
Its helpful to make checking in with your partner a regular occurrence.
As for my nightly dinner doldrums?
My husband agreed after a chat that we could alternate cooking and washing dishes.
Morgan Cutlip has a PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Akron and holds a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Ohio State University. She completed her predoctoral internship at George Mason University College Counseling and Psychological Services, an American Psychological Association-approved site. Her clinical experience includes working in an array of settings: community mental health, VA hospitals, university counseling centers, and private practice as a relationship consultant.
Now he shares the worry about planning a toddler-approved dinner, I can bust suds in peace.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
