At some point when I was running around doing a bunch of people's work for a project that was supposed to be supported by an entire group, I thought, "Wait a minute. Why am I in this by myself?! Then I remembered something that I'd heard from someone a few years prior that basically asserted non-reciprocal relationships are abusive relationships.
I invited a small group of close friends, ordered a round and let the night unfold without expectations. No theme, no outfit planning and definitely no after-party. This was not my usual approach. I typically mark birthdays with intention and spectacle, but this year I wanted quiet. I wanted something that didn't require logistics, spreadsheets or a credit card statement I'd be afraid to open.
These moments can make the work more visible, but they are not the only times it shows up. Behind all this joy and love is a lot of work. That is why being open about what is required and asking for help can be important. You can still have things the way you want them; you do not, however, have to do them all on your own.
When you stop to consider all that parents are juggling, it actually isn't so surprising anymore. There are kids' weekend and after-school schedules, spirit weeks (yet again) at their school, homework to manage, sports practices, dance events, band lessons, in addition to trying to also somewhat manage an adult life that also likely consists of work, responsibilities, relationships, plus physical health, and parental mental health needs.
One of the most infuriating things a partner can say to their wife is, "But you didn't tell me to do it!" There's just so much to unpack there - why is mom usually the one in charge of delegating tasks? Why are they the default managers of the household? And why can't dads take some initiative and figure out what needs to get done in the family sphere?
Have you ever misinterpreted a colleague's tone on a Teams chat? Or wondered what Mike meant by his face-without-a-mouth emoji in response to your carefully worded idea? A new book by University of Auckland Business School Associate Professor Barbara Plester explores how communication, fun, humor and happiness are evolving in the age of hybrid work. "Hybrid Happiness: Fun and Freedom in Flexible Work" investigates the social and emotional effects of flexible work.
There's a moment in Black Panther (2018) when T'Challa stands before his father in the ancestral plane, wrestling with what kind of king-and what kind of man-he's supposed to be. He's torn between duty and doubt, between the world's expectations and his own quiet hopes. That scene captures something I've seen, and lived, in real time. Many of us were raised to believe that strength is the only language we're allowed to speak.
This subtype is organized around the maintenance of personal comfort at other people's expense, which means the harm often arrives as what wasn't done-what wasn't tended, repaired, or shouldered-rather than as a spectacular display of grandiose arrogance. In reality, this flavor looks like an unfussy, "Don't make a big deal," peace-at-all-costs stance that masks an entitlement not to be bothered,
Women leaders often face an uphill battle to be taken seriously and rise to the top of their professions in a world characterized by male leadership. Once women enter midlife-often a time when both men and women begin taking on more serious leadership roles (think senior or executive-level positions)-that hill can feel even steeper if they find their work interrupted by sudden sweating, visible redness, or a struggle to find the right word in an important meeting.
Being socially connected and having flourishing friendships can deeply enhance the quality of your life. The right friendships can uplift you and help you get through the toughest times. However, not all friendships will have the same impact on you. Some can even feel emotionally uneven, where you feel like you give more than you receive, or you walk away from interactions feeling depleted rather than nourished.
A few weeks before my daughter's fourth birthday, I stumbled across an AI party planner called CelebrateAlly. "Looking to plan a themed party, a surprise bash, or just a relaxed get-together?" read a banner on its website, which promised that the app would take care of "all the details-themes, activities, and decorations." It also offered to write birthday cards, "capturing your heartfelt sentiments beautifully!"
On the surface, mankeeping appears to be about men relying on their female partners for emotional support; however, it challenges traditional gender roles and reflects broader societal issues around male loneliness.
As much as people wish to express their authentic selves, adult life often demands exactly the opposite... Life is full of routines and obligations, but worse, situations in which you have to put on a false front.
