What can you do when your old coping mechanisms, like people-pleasing, no longer serve you?

This week, I’m tackling a listener question from a mom of two young kids who’s juggling work, caregiving, and household responsibilities. As a recovering people-pleaser, she finds herself falling into a pattern: doing too much, silently resenting her husband for not doing more, blowing up, and then feeling guilty about it. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: this isn’t about who’s good or bad at “helping.” It’s about navigating an inherently imbalanced season of life and learning to partner better - together.

In this episode, I talk to this listener about:

• Why the old coping strategies of independence and people-pleasing aren’t working anymore (and why that’s totally normal).
• How to start the hard conversations about sharing the load, even if it feels awkward or scary.
• Practical steps for turning resentment into teamwork, including breaking the habit of “doing it all.”
• Why this kind of honest, ongoing communication is the key to long-term balance and connection.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the mental and physical load of your household while your partner coasts, this episode is for you.

💌 Have a relationship question you’d like featured on the show? Fill out the Sounds Like Therapy Listener Survey and share your story.

📣 Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review and mention how Julie's call resonated with you - you might just help someone else feel less alone.

🎙 Tune in next week for real-life relationship questions, insight that builds empathy, and practical steps to create happier, healthier relationships.

Disclaimer: while this podcast sounds like therapy, it is not actually therapy nor is it a substitute for therapy, and while I am a therapist, I am not YOUR therapist. Please be entertained and encouraged, and seek appropriate mental health support from a licensed therapist in your community, if necessary.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.