#8: Are We Expecting Too Much From Marriage? Why Modern Love Feels So Heavy

08/29/24 • 49 min

We used to get married for survival, security, or social status. Now, we expect our partner to be our best friend, lover, co-parent, therapist, financial teammate—and somehow keep it passionate too.

In this episode, Nichole and Ben unpack the unspoken pressure of modern relationships. They explore how marriage has changed over the years—from a practical arrangement to an all-encompassing emotional partnership—and ask the question many couples are quietly wondering: Are we asking too much from one person?

They talk about the impact of shifting gender roles, the rise in female-led divorces, and how longer life expectancy has made “forever” feel even more overwhelming. They also share what happens when you’re both stretched thin by work, parenting, and personal growth—and how to find your way back to each other when it feels like no one has anything left to give.

If you’ve ever felt like your marriage is good on paper but hard in practice—this episode will help you understand why. And what you can do about it.

📲 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.

If you’ve ever felt like your marriage is good on paper but hard in practice—this episode will help you understand why. And what you can do about it.

📲 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

#7: Keeping the Spark Alive Starts with You—Why Parental Burnout Is Killing Your Connection

Talk to Nichole and Ben.

It’s easy to put yourself last when you’re raising kids—but over time, that self-neglect doesn’t just wear you down. It wears down your relationship too.

In this episode, Nichole and Ben talk honestly about the pressure, guilt, and emotional exhaustion that comes with parenting—and how losing touch with yourself often leads to disconnection in your marriage. They share real-life stories (including Ben’s laser tag adventures), practical shifts that have helped them recharge, and the small but powerful ways couples can support each other through the chaos.

This isn’t about bubble baths or booking a spa weekend. It’s about recognising that when you take care of yourself, you show up better—for your kids, your partner, and yourself.

If you’ve been running on empty, feeling resentful, or quietly wondering where “you” went in all of this... this episode is the reminder you need.

📲 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

#9: What Really Counts as Cheating—And Can a Relationship Ever Fully Recover?

Talk to Nichole and Ben.

Infidelity isn’t what it used to be—and it’s happening in more ways, more places, and more relationships than many people realise.

In this episode, Nichole and Ben have a raw and honest conversation about what cheating looks like in the digital age. From the Ashley Madison scandal to emotional affairs that start over DMs, they explore how tech, culture, and unmet needs have reshaped the way we think about betrayal.

They also dive into the emotional aftermath: What does infidelity do to a relationship? Can trust really be rebuilt? And what happens when kids are part of the story?

Whether you’re healing from betrayal, struggling with emotional disconnection, or just want to understand what makes relationships vulnerable to cheating—this episode offers clarity, compassion, and real perspective on one of the most painful relationship experiences.

Because it’s not just about the affair. It’s about what we do next.

📲 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