When Chores and Games Collide: A Marriage on the Rocks

A man in his late 40s finds himself drowning in responsibilities while his wife, also in her 40s, is more interested in online games than helping out. They moved to a big property six years ago, and he thought they were on the same page about the work it would take to maintain it. But now, he's doing most of the heavy lifting, both inside and outside the house. She's not just avoiding chores; she's also becoming less active, and her health is showing the effects. He's tried talking to her, but she shuts down and retreats to her games. He's worried about his own health, too, with all the work piling up. It's a tough spot to be in, and he's not sure what to do next. Meanwhile, another person is grappling with a different kind of unfairness. A friend's son, just 31, is dying from liver disease after a failed transplant. This person can't help but compare this young man's suffering to a relative who lived into her 90s but was cruel and unkind. This relative received excellent care in her final years, which only adds to the bitterness. The contrast between these two situations is stark. One person is fighting for every moment of life, while another wasted the time she had. It's a harsh reality, and it's hard to make sense of it. The advice given is to focus on what you can control. You can't change the past, and you can't change how others live their lives. But you can choose how you react and what you do with your own time. It's okay to be angry, to grieve, and to feel overwhelmed. But holding onto anger won't change anything. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is talk it out. Whether it's with a partner, a friend, or a professional, talking can help you sort through your feelings and find a way forward. It's not about fixing everything at once, but about taking small steps toward understanding and resolution.