The Fear of Becoming the “Default Human” (opens in new tab)

There is a particular kind of exhaustion emerging inside modern marriage that older relationship language does not fully capture. It is not exactly resentment. Not exactly burnout. Not exactly emotional labor, though it overlaps with all three. It is the sensation of becoming the life partner who must permanently remember reality for everyone else. The pediatric appointment. The gluten-free snack requirement. The teacher email. The birthday gift. The soccer registration deadline. The dog medi...