About the Episode:

Have you ever felt like the weight of the household is constantly on your shoulders? That you’re the one keeping everything running while your partner is blissfully unaware of all the behind-the-scenes work? If so, you’re not alone—and there’s a way out of the cycle of frustration and resentment.

This week, I sit down with Dr. Morgan Cutlip to talk about her new book, A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex. She’s here to unpack what the mental load really is, why it falls so heavily on women, and how couples can work together to create balance.

We discuss:

✅ What the mental load is and why so many moms carry an unfair share.
✅ The resentment trap—why unspoken frustration builds and how to address it before it damages your relationship.
✅ How to have ‘the talk’ with your partner—effective ways to communicate about mental load without starting a fight.
✅ Why equity in household labor leads to better intimacy (yes, there’s a direct connection!).
✅ Practical, real-world strategies to redistribute tasks in a way that actually works.

Key Takeaways:

 1. Mental Load Isn’t Just About Chores—It’s About Mental and Emotional Bandwidth

Most moms aren’t just doing tasks; they’re the default manager of everything—scheduling doctor’s appointments, planning meals, remembering school deadlines, and anticipating everyone’s emotional needs. The weight of thinking about what needs to be done is just as exhausting as the doing.

 2. The “Ask vs. Assume” Problem: Why Many Dads Aren’t Stepping Up

Men in heterosexual relationships often say, “Just tell me what to do!” But that still puts the burden on moms to manage and delegate. The real goal? Getting both partners to take proactive responsibility rather than just waiting to be told what needs to be done.

3. Resentment Grows in the Gaps Between Expectation and Reality

When one partner assumes they’re doing their fair share (“I take out the trash and mow the lawn!”) but doesn’t realize the other person is carrying everything else, frustration builds. Dr. Cutliffe explains how open weekly check-ins can help realign expectations before resentment takes over.

4. How to Talk About the Mental Load Without Starting a Fight

Many couples fall into defensive mode when this topic comes up. Instead of accusing your partner of not helping, try:

🔹 Using “I” statements: “I feel overwhelmed managing all of this on my own.”
🔹 Stating the problem objectively: “I noticed that I’m the one who keeps track of school forms. Can we figure out a system where we both share that responsibility?”
🔹 Asking for input: “What do you think would be a fair way to split this up?”

5. The 3-Step Approach to Redistributing Mental Load

Dr. Cutliffe shares a practical framework for couples who want to shift the balance:

1️⃣ Awareness: Have an open conversation about the mental load—many partners don’t even realize how much is being handled behind the scenes.

2️⃣ Agreement: Decide together what a fair distribution looks like. This doesn’t have to mean a 50/50 split, but it should feel equitable to both people.

3️⃣ Action: Put systems in place (shared calendars, responsibility lists, routine check-ins) to ensure the shift actually happens.

6. A More Balanced Mental Load = A More Connected Relationship

When moms feel supported and seen, they’re less stressed, more present, and more open to intimacy. Couples who share household and emotional labor report higher relationship satisfaction and even a better sex life—because exhaustion and resentment aren’t in the way.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Morgan Cutlip is a relationship expert, researcher, and author specializing in the division of household labor and the impact of the mental load on modern couples. With a Ph.D. in psychology and years of experience working with couples, she helps partners break free from resentment, communicate effectively, and create a more balanced and fulfilling home life.

Her latest book, A Better Share, dives deep into how couples can work together to tackle the mental load and strengthen their relationship in the process.

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Morgan Cutlip:

🌎 Website: https://drmorgancutlip.com/

📖 A Better Share – Available Now

📱 Follow Dr. Cutlip on Instagram

#ConflictResolution #MarriageSupport #HealthyCommunication #ModernMommyDoc

📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.