Couples often struggle with roles and responsibilities within the relationship.  Often there are assumptions made as to who will take on tasks without any discussion.  Sometimes one partner has taken on a specific role and continues to bear the weight of the work, but feels resentful.

An easy way to have a conversation about roles within your relationship is simply to ask: WHO DOES WHAT? We’ve provided a resource under “Helpful Things” to help guide this conversation. Sit down at a time when you are not feeling tired, hungry, or under stress and talk through the list together. If you cannot come to an agreement on a specific role, agree to take turns for now. Sometimes taking on a role at a certain time is the best for the relationship, but having conversation about roles can be helpful to both partners.

Remember that the roles will change over time. Note that responsibilities with children take up almost an entire page, but even into adulthood, children continue to impact the relationship.

If you can think of any additions to the list, feel free to comment below!

Marlayne Whitlock, M.A., LAPC

mwhitlock@ GROWcounseling.com