#40: You’re Not Just Tired—You’re Carrying Everything: The Mental Load in Marriage

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04/03/25 • 45 min

You love each other. You share a life, maybe a mortgage, probably kids... but lately it feels like your relationship has turned into a never-ending to-do list.

In this episode, Nichole and Ben are talking about the invisible weight so many long-term partners carry—the mental load. From meal planning to dentist appointments to remembering every single birthday card, one partner often becomes the default “manager” of the household. And that imbalance doesn’t just cause exhaustion—it kills intimacy and breeds quiet resentment.

Research shows that mothers take on over 70% of the mental load, even in homes where both parents work full time. That’s not just unfair—it’s unsustainable.

Nichole breaks down what the mental load actually is, how it slowly shifts your relationship dynamic, and what couples can do to rebalance the emotional labour and reconnect as equals—not co-workers.

If you’ve ever thought, “We’re fine... but I’m exhausted”—this episode is for you.

📲 Connect with Nichole & Ben:
Coaching, updates & all the good stuff → nicholefarrow.com
Say hi on Instagram → @nichole.farrow
Catch every episode → Love for Life Podcast

Talk to Nichole and Ben.

You love each other. You share a life, maybe a mortgage, probably kids... but lately it feels like your relationship has turned into a never-ending to-do list.

Research shows that mothers take on over 70% of the mental load, even in homes where both parents work full time. That’s not just unfair—it’s unsustainable.

If you’ve ever thought, “We’re fine... but I’m exhausted”—this episode is for you.

📲 Connect with Nichole & Ben:
Coaching, updates & all the good stuff → nicholefarrow.com
Say hi on Instagram → @nichole.farrow
Catch every episode → Love for Life Podcast

Previous Episode

#39: Andrew Tate, Incels & the Toxic Online World Radicalising Our Boys—What Parents Need to Know Now

Talk to Nichole and Ben.

We’ve had a glow-up! Formerly Parenting and Marriage in the Digital Age, this podcast is now Love for Life—and we're back with a new name, a sharper focus, and the same real talk on what it takes to build strong relationships while raising kids, juggling work, and trying to stay sane.

In this first episode, Nichole and Ben share the honest story behind the rebrand—why now, what’s changed, and what’s coming. We're kicking off Season 2 with something special:
A competition giveaway where you could win a 1:1 coaching session with Nichole
Plus, get our brand-new Relationship Reset eBook—free for all who enter

But this episode goes deeper than announcements. We’re talking about something parents, teachers, and carers need to be aware of: the toxic online world targeting our boys. Inspired by the Netflix docuseries Adolescence, we’re breaking down what the manosphere is, why influencers like Andrew Tate are so dangerous, and how young men are getting radicalised online.

This isn’t just about screen time—it’s about mental health, identity, and why so many boys feel lost, angry, and alone. We look at how we got here, and more importantly, what we can do to help.

If you’re raising boys, working with teens, or simply care about the next generation—don’t skip this one.

COMPETITION: Win 1:1 Coaching with Nichole

Here’s how to enter:

Follow the Love for Life Podcast on your favourite app
Download this episode
Take a screenshot and send it to 📩 [email protected]

Everyone who enters gets a free copy of our Relationship Reset eBook.

📲 Connect with Nichole & Ben:
Coaching, updates & all the good stuff → nicholefarrow.com
Say hi on Instagram → @nichole.farrow
Catch every episode → Love for Life Podcast

Next Episode

#41: Womanhood Through The Ages: The Truth About Teenage Girls and Hormones

Talk to Nichole and Ben.

We’re kicking off our special mini-series Womanhood Through the Ages with a topic that affects every family: the teenage years.

Nichole is joined by clinical nutritional therapist Lorna Driver-Davies to unpack what’s actually happening hormonally for teen girls. Spoiler: it’s not just mood swings. Lorna shares surprising insights about how long adolescence really lasts, how hormones affect brain development and mental health, and what we can do to support girls during this time.

She also gives brilliant, practical advice on nutrition and supplements to help support hormonal health—and how to tell when something more serious might be going on.

This is one for every parent, teacher, or anyone supporting a teenage girl.

📲 Connect with Nichole & Ben:
Coaching, updates & all the good stuff → nicholefarrow.com
Say hi on Instagram → @nichole.farrow
Catch every episode → Love for Life Podcast