Example written for this page
Her texts start before six
This week asked for: Being on call. Her texts start before six.
Dropped to make room: Seeing friends. I've cancelled so often they've stopped asking.
An afternoon of your own: See a friend. A real lunch, not a call from the car.
When you picture it: Guilt first, then relief, then more guilt.
Could take one thing: My brother. He lives an hour away and calls on Sundays.
Stopped saying out loud: “I can't do every weekend.”
One thing this week: Ask my brother to take one Saturday a month.
Example written for this page
Looking after a partner, and missing them
This week asked for: Every decision. Meals, the calendar, what to tell people.
Dropped to make room: Work hours. I went part-time in the spring.
An afternoon of your own: Go somewhere. Anywhere without a list.
When you picture it: Worry. What if something happens while I'm out.
Could take one thing: A friend. She's offered twice and I said we're fine.
Stopped saying out loud: “I miss us.”
One thing this week: Say yes the next time she offers.
Example written for this page
Two parents, one job, no one to swap with
This week asked for: All of it. Two parents, two sets of appointments.
Dropped to make room: Sleep, mostly.
When you picture it: Resentment, and then I feel bad for feeling it.
Could take one thing: No one yet.
Stopped saying out loud: “I'm angry, and it isn't at them.”
One thing this week: Tell one person how tired I am.
You skipped the afternoon question. Some weeks there isn't room for every question.