Sex and Psychology Podcast
Episode 394: Are You Being a Parent to Your Partner?
May 6, 2025
Dr. Kate Balestrieri, a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist, explores the complexities of parentified relationships where one partner takes on a caregiving role. She discusses key signs to identify this dynamic and its detrimental effects on intimacy and connection. Kate delves into how childhood experiences shape adult relationship roles, the emotional toll of gender expectations, and strategies to regain balance. The conversation highlights the importance of self-reflection and communication in fostering healthier partnerships and preventing relational burnout.
32:32
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Quick takeaways
- Parentified relationships often lead to emotional exhaustion and decreased sexual desire, stemming from an imbalance in caregiving roles between partners.
- Early childhood experiences significantly influence how partners engage in relationships, highlighting the need for equitable division of emotional and physical responsibilities.
Deep dives
Understanding Parentified Relationships
Parentified relationships occur when one partner adopts a caregiving role, often leading to an imbalance where the other partner under-functions. Common signs include one partner taking over responsibilities that the other should manage, often resulting in emotional labor falling disproportionately onto one individual. This dynamic can stem from early experiences, such as being raised by helicopter parents or having to care for emotionally neglectful parents, which influence how couples engage later in life. Such patterns not only strain the partnership but can also diminish sexual desire, as the partner in the caregiver role may not find it appealing to take on parental responsibilities instead of enjoying a partnership.
