What’s the equivalent of the mental load that I keep hearing about? I don’t argue that my wife takes care of most of the executive functions of the house and that society has created an unfair standard for her to live by. But I’m not useless and I’m not a monster just because I’m a man. I’m absorbing a lot of criticism and I’m not really allowed to give my own. I’m a sounding board for everyone’s emotions but I need to be reserved in my own until I know how you’re going to feel about them. I’m pushing forward and supporting you whenever and however I can. I barely even have my own thoughts unless you say it’s okay. I have to mask my feelings of discomfort or fear for the safety of myself and those around me if those feelings are not convenient to you. As busy as we all must be in the first hour you wake up, I’m not allowed to get out of bed before you to have time to process my thoughts and feelings. What’s my version of a “mental load”?