This chapter explores the concept of the mental load in relationships, particularly focusing on the disproportionate burden placed on women. It discusses the small mental tasks and logistics that women often take on, as well as the unequal division of labor in relationships. The chapter also examines the influence of societal expectations, gender stereotypes, and weaponized incompetence on the mental load.
Sustaining a relationship has a lot more to do with the division of domestic, emotional and physical labour. A massive component is the mental load - the additional energy that goes into organising, scheduling and managing the daily tasks, chores and things that need to be done whilst also accounting for your partners needs. It's not a secret that women carry a lot more of the mental load than their male counterparts and in this episode we break down exactly why that is, how an unfair division of cognitive labour can lead to resentment and relationship breakdown and how we can address this in our relationships, including our friendships. Listen now!
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