Psychotherapist Mary Jo Rapini discusses the signs that you are carrying too much of the emotional labor load and how to find balance to share the emotional labor with your partner.
Emotional labor, a term used to describe the amount of emotional energy applied in a relationship to sustain it, can manifest as management of your own emotions as well as soothing a partner’s to ensure everyone’s emotional wellbeing is protected and secure.
· You’re exhausted. Agitation, anger and sleep deprivation may signal red flags that you’re handling everything which sustains a smoothly running relationship. Often you discover the numerous activities you handle seem invisible to your partner - but that does not negate their importance.1. Explain to your partner how you feel.
Discuss the toll fulfilling the role Emotional Labor CEO takes on yourself and the relationship. Explain your desire for more free time to engage in fun activities with your spouse and family. Owning your emotions is an important aspect of advocating for your relationship. Creating a healthy relationship is impossible when you feel resentment for the weight of responsibility of managing every element of your family’s life.