Coupled With...

The Hidden Hurt Behind the Household Chore Fight


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Let’s be honest—

You didn’t fall in love over spreadsheets and garbage duty.

But now?

You’re stuck in a cycle where the dishes feel like a personal betrayal, the laundry sparks arguments, and the unspoken resentment is starting to feel heavier than the mental load you’re carrying.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really going on when couples fight about chores—and spoiler alert: it’s not about the towels.

We’ll dive into:

  1. Why “just ask for help” doesn’t work when your nervous system is in survival mode
  2. How your attachment style gets triggered by undone tasks
  3. What’s really happening in the blame-withdraw cycle that keeps repeating
  4. Why chore charts and Sunday planning meetings often backfire
  5. And how to move from resentment to real teamwork—without adding more to your to-do list

This episode isn’t about productivity.

It’s about partnership.

And it’s for anyone who’s ever looked at their partner and thought, “Why am I the only one who sees this mess?”

Take a deep breath. Let’s go there.

Resources

  1. Free Course | Break the Cycle: A self-paced introduction to understanding your patterns and nervous system responses.
  2. Private Coaching (Limited Availability): High-touch, individualized support for deep relational pattern change.
  3. The Attachment Revolution Membership — Waitlist: Ongoing education, tools, and live support for building more secure relationships.
  4. Meaningful Journey Counseling (WA residents only): Licensed therapy services for individuals and couples in Washington State.


Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you are experiencing significant distress, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional or medical provider.

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Coupled With...By Dr. Rachel Orleck