I’m exhausted & my husband says this thing

I work full-time from home while also preggyy. On top of that, I handle most of the shopping and house tasks. My health hasn’t been great chronic fatigue, pain, and other symptoms so by the time evening comes, I’m completely drained.

My husband works full-time outside the home and says he feels neglected. He wants more intimacy, more affection, and more quality time. He says I’m more closed off and that he misses how things used to be. I’ve tried to explain that I’m exhausted and juggling so much, but he says he works hard too and wants to come home to an affectionate wife.

I feel like I’m doing everything p bringing in income, taking care of our child, keeping the house running yet I’m still “not enough.” I love him, but I’m burned out and starting to feel depressed. How do you find balance when you’re completely overwhelmed but your partner still expects more?

#AskLemon8 #LetsChat #MarriageTalk

2025/10/13 Edited to

... Read moreFeeling overwhelmed and my husband says I'm not meeting his needs is an all-too-common scenario for many couples facing multiple stressors. When dealing with chronic fatigue and health issues while pregnant, the physical and emotional toll can be immense. Working full-time from home, managing household responsibilities, and caring for a child leaves little energy for intimacy and emotional connection. Communication becomes critical in such situations. Sharing openly about your health challenges and exhaustion can help your partner understand your current limits. At the same time, recognizing your husband's feelings of neglect and the need for affection is essential to keep your relationship strong. It may help to set realistic expectations and find small moments for connection that don’t require significant energy, such as brief chats or shared activities that are low effort. Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can also alleviate burdens. Couples counseling or therapy may provide tools to improve mutual understanding and develop strategies that balance care for your own health with nurturing your relationship. Remember, it’s important to prioritize self-care to prevent burnout. This can include rest, balanced nutrition, and manageable commitments. When both partners appreciate the complexities involved, there’s greater empathy allowing space to heal and reconnect gradually. Navigating exhaustion and unmet needs in marriage is a delicate process, but with patience, openness, and support, couples can find new ways to meet each other’s emotional needs even during challenging times.

15 comments

Maycee Cherry's images
Maycee Cherry

Take him to one of your doctor visits and discuss your symptoms with your doctor in front of him so your husband understands with zero doubt that you’re not being distant on purpose. Then sit down and tell him if he wants more intimacy, he needs to help you make time for it by taking some of the household tasks off your plate. It makes no sense for one person to do everything in the house when you’re both working full time, and even if you were fine with that before, having a baby changes things and he needs to get used to helping out. Being a dad isn’t a spectator sport. He’s obligated to take care of his child too, which in the newborn/baby phase, means helping take care of mom.

LeelaSavage70's images
LeelaSavage70

He sounds like he’s looking around for someone else. He’s abusing you.

See more comments

Related posts

“My husband says I have a problem…”‼️
“I say I have options.” 😂 #kindersseasoning #husbands🙄 #seasoningcollection #home cook #foodie
OpulentIntent

OpulentIntent

33 likes

EXHAUSTED
If no one else is there for you I am❤️ if you need someone to talk to reach out or comment below, I’ll be there for you! No one should ever feel alone #embracevulnerability #mentalhealth #exhausted #LoveYourself #talktome #healthylifestyle2024 #safespace #youareloved #Lemon8Diary
Piper✝️

Piper✝️

14 likes

A grayscale image of a bookstore with the text 'pick a color palette to choose your next book thriller edition' overlaid. Five vertical color palettes, each with four distinct colors, are displayed at the bottom.
A hand holds the book 'Motherthing' by Ainslie Hogarth, featuring a green-faced woman and a pink background. A color palette of teal, hot pink, lime green, and light peach is shown, alongside a description of a woman's mother-in-law haunting her.
A hand holds the book 'The Push' by Ashley Audrain, featuring two dark silhouettes of faces. A color palette of light blue, beige, purple, and black is shown, alongside a description of a mother convinced something is wrong with her daughter.
pick a color palette to choose your next thriller
all of these are thriller books, with a few little drops of horror in some. MOTHERTHING BY AINSLIE HOGARTH when ralph and abby move in with ralph’s mother, laura, abby hopes that it will help her connect with her mother-in-law. however, laura has no interest in bonding with abby. she’s venomou
megan | sahm

megan | sahm

1676 likes

I’m not broke. I’m exhausted.
I watch people get judged just for asking for help. As if struggling out loud is some kind of crime. But let me be real for a minute… I work a full-time job. I show up. I grind. I give. And somehow—it’s still not enough to cover everything. I’m not lazy. I’m not reckless. I’m not asking for
Sparkles

Sparkles

747 likes

An open Bible page with text from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 highlighted, stating "your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit... you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body." A white overlay reads "Addiction to Food."
An open Bible page showing 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. Overlays state, "It's says anyone that defiles the temple (your body) God will destroy him." and "Food addiction is not talked about enough it's also called Gluttony."
An open Bible page with Proverbs 28:7 underlined. Overlays state, "Stuffing your face and overeating is a sin" and "Let's help break the stigma and do what God ask of us."
Food Addiction - What the Bible Says
🕊️ What Does the Bible Say About Food Addiction? Some people will never admit they have addiction bc they have shamed others with a different type of addiction! Food is a gift from God meant to nourish us, bring joy, and even be shared in fellowship. But when we use it to cope, escape, or fi
Sisters Of His Love

Sisters Of His Love

1630 likes

my husband says I'm crazy
shharrison96.sh

shharrison96.sh

1 like

I was exhausted trying to “make money online”
Before this… I was burnt out, overwhelmed, and honestly tired of feeling like I had to constantly chase money. I was watching people glamorize online income while behind the scenes they were: • stressed • cold messaging people all day • buying expensive courses &#x
Nay_Nay (glow✨getter)

Nay_Nay (glow✨getter)

3 likes

The Habits I Keep—Even When I’m Exhausted🫶
These aren’t the “perfect” habits — just the ones that help me get through the day feeling the most like me. Because sometimes, simply getting getting through the day is the self-care. #lemon8tea #lemon8contest #dailyhabits #chronicillness
Kayla | Art & Cozy Comforts🫶

Kayla | Art & Cozy Comforts🫶

80 likes

A hospital bassinet with a baby blanket, stethoscope, and medical forms, surrounded by hospital equipment. The image features text overlay: 'APPARENTLY MY FAMILY ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT A BOY,' reflecting the article's theme about family expectations.
My husband actually said this to me…
My husband told me the other night that our family “won’t be complete” until we have a boy. We already have two beautiful daughters, and I was honestly speechless. He said it’s about “carrying on the family name,” but to me it just sounds outdated and hurtful. I love my girls more than anything, a
Elizabeth

Elizabeth

736 likes

been feeling emotionally exhausted, the Capricorn moon may be amplifying
constant pressure can leave the body and nervous system feeling heavy even with a busy schedule, you still deserve moments to slow down take deeper breaths soften your shoulders move more gently with yourself today ✨ #capricorn #mindbodysoul #rest
LunErin Aura

LunErin Aura

6 likes

What the Bible says about Relationships ?????????
#biblicallove #knowingbible #biblefriends #readbible #readingmybible
Read your Bible

Read your Bible

5212 likes

my husband says I'm a hoarder, but I'm not
shharrison96.sh

shharrison96.sh

0 likes

I’m Exhausted…But I Can’t Stop
Clocked out at 6AM and clocked right into mom mode. No sleep, just sacrifice. Being a single mom, nursing student, and working full-time isn’t easy- but I’m doing it for her. Every view and comment helps me pay my tuition. 🙏🏾💗 Make sure to follow us on TikTok and Subscribe to our YouTube channel. L
Hey I’m Daijha 💕

Hey I’m Daijha 💕

96 likes

BLOATED-EXHAUSTED-BREAKING OUT?
Listen, if you’re not eating fermented food you are leaving your health on the table. This right here. Bubbies Sauerkraut. 3 ingredients. Cabbage. Water. Salt. Not fully raw but it still has live probiotics and it actually tastes good. Which means you will actually eat it. Your gut contr
OMAD Coach Ria

OMAD Coach Ria

195 likes

So yeah I’m exhausted and haven’t slept but…
…am doing a thing…leaving some signed copies of my books in some airports today 🙃 #dystopianbooks #dystopian #dystopianromance #enemiestoloversrecs #enemiestolovers
Author L. A. Tucker

Author L. A. Tucker

0 likes

Why you feel exhausted all the time
A lot of women think they’re lazy or unmotivated. But what they’re actually experiencing is chronic stress. When your body stays in survival mode too long, the signals start stacking up. Common signs include: • Waking up tired even after sleeping • Brain fog that hits randomly • Cravi
Cassie Nicole

Cassie Nicole

23 likes

My Husband Begs me to Make This Classic Tiramisu
My husband is very picky about tiramisu… like, he refuses to eat anything that’s not the real, authentic Italian version made with raw eggs. He’s tried so many store-bought tiramisu cakes over the years, and every single time he says the same thing: “Nothing compares to yours.” Now it’s become a
TheFoodKooky

TheFoodKooky

68 likes

You Vacationed. So Why Are You Still Exhausted?
You took the time off. You slept in. You even went somewhere. 🌿 So why do you feel exactly the same? Because burnout isn’t tiredness — it’s full system depletion. Until your nervous system gets the message that it’s safe again, your body won’t truly relax.  A vacation changes the scenery. I
HSBM

HSBM

13 likes

I am exhausted (and SO HAPPY!) 😴😵‍💫🥰🥳
… but it is DONE! After so many livestreams, days of sore back muscles, endless scanning and updating, I have officially finished counting and cataloging every book in my home library. I can’t believe it’s all done, and organized, I feel like I can breathe again! 🤣 how many books do you think I
hannah 📖

hannah 📖

398 likes

I apparently look exhausted. 🙄
Susan Hutchinson

Susan Hutchinson

9 likes

🧠 PSYCHOLOGY SAYS .....🧠
#psychologyawareness #women #safe #Lemon8Diary #embracevulnerability
Tiphanie Dyme

Tiphanie Dyme

7 likes

Shower non negotiables🧼
Low energy, high hygiene standards + Exhausted shower routine. #everythingshowerroutine #lemon8challenge #showering helps being clean #showerfresh #showermood
Yasuan Vega

Yasuan Vega

37 likes

Why You Feel Strong Some Days and Exhausted
Women are not meant to feel the same every single day. Our energy, mood, strength — everything shifts depending on where we are in our cycle. During ovulation, we feel confident, strong, and full of energy. Workouts feel easier, motivation is high, and this is often when we hit our best result
Olya Kab

Olya Kab

50 likes

To the Mom who Is Exhausted
No one really talks about how exhausting it is To go from “I’ve got this, I’m okay” to “I don’t know how much more I can take.” That quiet shift. That internal back and forth. That pressure to keep holding it all together while something inside of you feels completely depleted. It’s real.
Moms in Power

Moms in Power

178 likes

Are your child exhausted every morning?
Every parents have the same problem every morning… #parenting #exhaustedmom #momlife #MemeCut #Meme
OZI Sleep

OZI Sleep

29 likes

5 Things Emotionally Exhausted Women Need to Remember
There was a time when I thought being strong meant carrying everything by myself. The bills. The stress. The disappointment. The heartbreak. The endless pressure to keep going even when I was running on empty. From the outside, I looked fine. But inside? I was exhausted. I kept t
hergentlerebirth

hergentlerebirth

16 likes

Exhausted? 🥱
Some of you are exhausted… not because you’re doing too much — but because you’re pouring into places that aren’t pouring back. Check the receipts of your life. ☎️Who calls you? 🤔Who checks on you? 🎉Who celebrates you? 😒Who only shows up when they need something? Growth requires audit.
Coach Lisa

Coach Lisa

3 likes

Why you are exhausted after doing nothing
Stop blaming yourself for being exhausted. Your brain is just fried from digital burnout and constant overstimulation. I finally realized why I was waking up tired every single day. Check the text in my bio or type in your browser to take the digital burnout test and see how fried your nervous
SkyQuiz

SkyQuiz

17 likes

Exhausted, feet hurt, makeup from yesterday....but, coffee timeeeee
Coffee is a must no matte how terrible I'm feeling!! 12hrs for day 1 was a lot, but it was so fun at the same time #coffee #coffeelover #DISNEY #disneyland #hotel
Bri Combs

Bri Combs

6 likes

when her fake husband says…
Cozy Romantasy Horror SLOWBURN Complete Trilogy Fake Marriage Grumpy/Sunshine Possessive MMC 📚Inn the Forest Trilogy by Abby Auburn 📖Scratches Inn the Forest 📖Whispers Inn the Forest 📖Cracks Inn the Forest A desperate new mother. A disgraced warrior. A cursed forest. Deep in the
abbyauburn

abbyauburn

25 likes

He's adorably exhausted!🥰
#Animals #PetsOfLemon8 #PetsofInstagram #FunnyAnimals #ZootasticTV
ZootasticTV

ZootasticTV

302 likes

You’re More Exhausted Than You’re Admitting
You’ve been pushing through more than you admit. Sometimes exhaustion hides behind responsibility. You keep going because stopping feels unfamiliar. But pushing isn’t proof of strength. Sometimes it’s just habit. You don’t have to push this afternoon. #mentalrest #restguilt #lo
Elena Grace

Elena Grace

7 likes

I'm exhausted here. hair is a wreck. no makeup and
Desiree333

Desiree333

29 likes

Am exhausted
#sigils #mutualaid #rituals #blackmoon #spiritweek https://shop.cjoatbysamwise.com
⛥⃝ Prehnite da Dragonite ⛥⃝

⛥⃝ Prehnite da Dragonite ⛥⃝

0 likes

Decoding Husband Language 💬
Sometimes the words aren’t the whole message. Many husbands struggle to put emotions into words. What sounds like distance, silence, or indifference may actually be stress, overwhelm, uncertainty, or a need for time to process. This isn’t about assuming what every husband means. It’s about re
Wife2wife

Wife2wife

56 likes

Exhausted? It Might Be Tolerance 🫠
Burnout isn’t always overwork. Sometimes it’s chronic self-betrayal. Here are four quiet energy leaks that feel like exhaustion — but are actually boundary issues. 1️⃣Over-explaining: You explain your tone. You justify your decisions. You add context no one asked for. That’s not communicat
Cariño ♎️👸🏽

Cariño ♎️👸🏽

7 likes

A graphic titled 'Things To Do With Toddlers When You're Exhausted' showing seven low-energy activities for tired parents. It includes photos of a toddler in a laundry basket, playing with stickers, playing in a sink, reading, a toy bin, dancing, and wiping a table, with a 'Mom Tip' at the bottom.
Things To Do With Toddlers When You’re Exhausted 🤍
Some days you are fully present, energetic, creative, and patient. Other days you are surviving on interrupted sleep, work stress, dishes, laundry, mental overload, and pure determination. Both kinds of days are real motherhood. Toddlers do not need constant entertainment or perfection eve
Taiana 🍳

Taiana 🍳

87 likes

I’m exhausted 😩
#lemon8dairy #pregnancy #32weekspregnant #motherhoodjourney #tiredallthetime
Patty Corcuera

Patty Corcuera

19 likes

Exhausted?! THIS gave me my time and energy back.
Why get a second job when you can make this working just 2 hours a day from your phone?!? #passiveincomeideas #onlinebusinesstips #digitalmarketingforbeginners #howtomakemoney #passiveincomeonline
Nancy J’s Legacy

Nancy J’s Legacy

2 likes

Interaction battery exhausted
#MEME #humor #dumb #gaming #gamersoflemon8
KnownJoker96

KnownJoker96

4 likes

Gratitude.. yet Exhausted..
Here’s to the girl who’s employed, exhausted, and still in her bag. It’s giving gratitude, not burnout. Save this for the days when the to-do list is long but the blessings are longer. #employedandgrateful #workingwoman #midweekreminders #blackgirlinhr #hrlife
The Corporate Cutie

The Corporate Cutie

1 like

My husband says “I thought you handled it” daily!
My husband got home from our kid’s doctor’s visit. I asked when her follow-up was. He didn’t schedule it even though the staff told him to, said I’m the one who does doctor’s apps. He literally told the receptionist: “My wife’ll call later.” Next day, I step out of my office for a drink. He’s on th
Claire💌

Claire💌

23 likes

mentally exhausted
it's ok to not be ok #sadbutrue #sadmoments #imnotok #mentalhealthawareness #you feel sad anxietyanddepression
💪 🌊Melissa🌊💪

💪 🌊Melissa🌊💪

3 likes

A woman in a pink robe lies on a couch, looking at the camera, with the text overlay "would you call this growth or burnout?" questioning the exhaustion from self-improvement.
A woman with a pink towel on her head takes a mirror selfie in a bathroom, wearing a grey t-shirt, with the text "healing and growing can be really exhausting sometimes —" reflecting on the difficulty of personal growth.
A first-person view of someone relaxing on a lounge chair by a pool with a sandwich, accompanied by text about constantly scanning for things to fix and the grind of self-improvement.
I’m working on myself but feel exhausted by it
my hot take? the constant grind of self improvement is actually really toxic. you are not a never ending self improvement project. you’re not something broken that needs fixing. you’re a human being who needs to have mental space to just breathe, just live, just experience, just be. that menta
carley ◡̈

carley ◡̈

37 likes

Always exhausted? Same.
I used to think I was just lazy because no matter how much I slept, I still woke up tired, dragging through the day. Turns out it was my cortisol + hormones running the show. Once I started supporting them, my energy finally felt normal again. 👉 Have you felt this way too? Comment “me” if you’re i
Alexandra

Alexandra

8 likes

I'm Mentally Exhausted...
Days 3 & 4 Following My Surgery.. I'm Mentally Exhausted.. #dayinmylife #lifeafterkids #surgery #hemorrhoids #momlife
Jazmyne | Wife + SAHM

Jazmyne | Wife + SAHM

6 likes

See more