
2 Reasons Why You're Experiencing ‘Relationship Burnout,' By A Psychologist
Being in a relationship naturally shifts your focus from just yourself to sharing a life with someone else. You trade in endless 'me time' for moments spent thinking of them, sometimes even giving up personal opportunities for the sake of the relationship.
Maybe you turned down a job in another city because your partner's career kept you where you were. Maybe you canceled your solo travel plans to support them through a rough patch. Maybe you've cared for their sick parents or juggled childcare responsibilities when they were caught up with work.
Your partner may also have made their fair share of sacrifices, but it's not about keeping score. Relationships don't need to be transactional. Instead, both partners should be willingly putting in the effort to sustain their relationship.
However, a recent study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships shows that feeling like you're sacrificing too much is associated with relational stress and burnout.
Based on responses from over 700 married individuals, researchers assessed how often people made sacrifices in their relationship and how it impacted their well-being and needs. They also evaluated whether they felt burned out or emotionally exhausted in their romantic relationship.
Relational sacrifices involve giving up on your personal interests and desires for your partner, going above and beyond what you need to do for them and offering greater resources them, including time and mental energy. But how much is too much, and when does it start to affect us?
The study points to two factors that can influence how we perceive relational sacrifices and whether or not we think they are worth it. These factors affect our experiences of burnout.
1. Relational Equity
While it's tempting to act in self-serving ways, in order to form meaningful connections, we must consider others. It takes effort to realize that we don't always need to 'win' arguments or say hurtful things. When we learn to think for those beyond ourselves, our relationships — whether romantic or platonic — evolve into a two-way street.
We enter romantic relationships with hopes of a partnership. We hope to receive some relational benefits in return for what we contribute. Such benefits may include love, intimacy, effort, time and generosity.
But when we start feeling like we're doing too much and getting too little in return, it leaves us wondering if the relationship is one-sided. This is why relational equity is so important.
It's not about doing the exact same things for one another. Rather, it's about making sure that both of you feel that what you give and what you receive is fair, according to what each of you bring to the table.
Healthy relationships thrive on balance, without which, you start to feel resentful. When you feel that your partner is taking you for granted, you'll likely feel emotionally worn out, pessimistic and fatigued. This is called 'couple burnout.'
Researchers found that lower levels of relational equity are associated with a strong perception that one's sacrifices are harmful. This strong perception of harm is, in turn, associated with higher levels of couple burnout.
Often, this burnout happens sooner than you'd expect, especially if you're in a relationship with someone with different preferences, interests and priorities.
In such cases, one partner may be going out of their way to accommodate the interests of the other. This threatens not only the well-being of the individual making sacrifices, but also the foundation of the relationship, where one is positioned to 'receive' more than the other.
In light of relational equity, it's also important that both partners feel their efforts and contributions are valued, even if they aren't identical.
2. Appreciation For Your Efforts
No matter what you do for your partner, whether it's sacrificing your career to become a stay-at-home parent or leaving post-it notes with beautifully packed lunch boxes, you deserve a 'thank you.'
In the study, participants were asked if they felt appreciated by their partners, and if their partner expressed admiration and gratitude towards them.
Researchers found that feeling appreciated by your partner changes how you see your sacrifices. They tend to perceive their sacrifices as less 'harmful' and more worthwhile for the growth of the relationship.
Another 2022 study published in Psychological Science supports this finding, by showing that satisfaction levels tend to drop when people feel they're doing more household work than their partner.
The study assessed over 2000 participants, including 476 couples (where both partners participated) from the United States and Canada, focusing on how they shared household tasks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers found that people were less satisfied in their relationship if they felt they were doing more housework, and found the division of labor unfair. However, if they felt appreciated by their partner, they didn't feel as unhappy or frustrated, even when the share of housework wasn't equally divided. This shows that appreciation can go a long way in preventing relationship burnout.
'Feeling appreciated also appeared to buffer against the negative effects of doing less, suggesting that feeling appreciated may offset the relational costs of unequal division of labor, regardless of who contributes more,' the researchers explain.
Of course, this doesn't mean that appreciation is the ultimate solution for relational inequity — both partners actively stepping up to do their bit is.
Here are some steps couples can take to avoid relationship burnout:
It's perfectly normal to have expectations of reciprocity in our relationships, but sacrifices should come with the right intentions. For instance, you shouldn't give in to your partner's demands just to avoid conflict or to be a 'good' partner.
True sacrifice should come from a place of care and genuine goodwill for your partner — and it should go both ways. When both partners are willing to make thoughtful sacrifices for each other without losing themselves, the relationship stands a real chance to grow and thrive.
Are you feeling burnt out in your relationship? Take this science-backed test to learn more: Couple Burnout Measure
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Man Wants to Buy His Family's Home at a $100K Discount, But Partner Says It'll Never Feel Like Hers
He sees it as a rare opportunity, but she says it feels like giving up her independenceNEED TO KNOW A man wants to buy his family's home at a $100k discount, but his partner refuses She says it would never feel like hers and insists on buying a home with no family ties Despite offering compromises, he wonders if this emotional divide is a dealbreakerA man turns to the Reddit community for advice following a difficult disagreement with his long-term partner over their future home. The couple is planning to buy a house within the next year, but they find themselves at a standstill when it comes to choosing the right one. He explains in his post that his family owns a spacious, well-maintained home he can purchase for significantly below market value — about "$100k less" than similar properties. 'It's spacious, has a garden, and would require minimal monthly expenses compared to most other options,' he writes. The house also comes with solar panels, updated heating and no pressing need for renovations, making it a practical and financially wise choice. But despite the deal's many upsides, his partner is firmly against it. Not because of the house itself, but because it belongs to his family. 'She says it wouldn't feel like 'her' home,' he explains, adding that she believes she would always feel like 'she's living in someone else's life.' Even with the offer of a full renovation and freedom to make it her own, she remains resistant. Instead, she wants to start fresh — ideally with an apartment that doesn't carry any history from either side. The man notes that this option would be 'smaller, more expensive over time, no garden, older infrastructure,' but she sees the blank slate as emotionally necessary. He's tried offering a range of compromises, including symbolic distance from his family. 'They'd have no say in anything,' he promises her, emphasizing that this would be their space, not an extension of his past. But for her, the issue isn't about what his family says or does — it's about what the house represents. 'She says it would feel like giving up her sense of independence,' he shares, revealing that she'd even prefer to rent or spend more just to have something that feels like 'ours' from day one. The man says he understands the emotional aspect, but he's struggling to balance it with what he sees as a rare and stable opportunity. 'It feels like I'm being asked to ignore a rare and stable opportunity because of a symbolic rejection of anything tied to my past,' he writes. He emphasizes that he's not trying to pressure her, just hoping she'll meet him halfway. But despite his efforts, he admits, 'all signs point to this being a dealbreaker for her.' In a follow-up edit, he adds context about their relationship. 'We're not married, but we're headed that way (but not yet proposed). We've been together for 8 years, no other issues in the relationship, she's the person I'll be spending my life with,' he says. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Readers respond with empathy and sharp insight, with one commenter noting, 'The thing is that she doesn't believe that your family won't be involved for whatever reason.' This user suggests that no matter what he says, she may still worry his family is 'too involved in your life.' Another points out that both perspectives carry weight. 'Someone who looks at this purely from a financial angle will never see the emotional side,' they write. 'Someone who believes this house will always be more yours than hers will not care how good of an investment it is because they will never feel truly at home.' The man acknowledges this complexity in a second update, admitting he's started to reconsider his approach. 'I also understood I'm the one being pushy about it,' he says. 'So I'll take a step back and start seriously considering other options, given also the possible downsides of purchasing a family home.' Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
14 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Prime Healthcare Achieves National Recognition for Exemplary Social Responsibility by Lown Institute
Prime Healthcare hospitals lead the nation in patient care, community service, health equity, and exceptional outcomes ONTARIO, Calif., July 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Prime Healthcare has been recognized as a national leader in hospital social responsibility, with 46 of its hospitals earning "A" grades on the 2025-26 Lown Institute Hospitals Index. Among more than 3,500 hospitals evaluated nationwide, Prime hospitals stood out for their exceptional performance in health equity, patient outcomes and value of care—key measures that reflect a hospital's impact on the communities it serves. Eight Prime hospitals earned top ranks in their states across various domains, including health equity, patient safety and community impact: Saint Francis Hospital ranked No. 1 in the nation for Pay Equity and #1 in Illinois for Pay Equity Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital ranked No. 1 in Illinois for Health Equity East Liverpool City Hospital ranked No. 1 in Ohio for Social Responsibility and Pay Equity Garden City Hospital ranked No. 1 in Michigan for Patient Safety Landmark Medical Center ranked No. 1 in Rhode Island for Health Equity, Inclusivity and Pay Equity North Vista Hospital ranked No. 1 in Nevada for Social Responsibility, Health Equity, Community Benefit, Inclusivity and Racial Inclusivity Providence Medical Center ranked No. 1 in Kansas for Social Responsibility Saint Clare's Denville ranked No. 1 in New Jersey for Avoiding Overuse The Lown Institute Hospitals Index is an independent national ranking that evaluates hospitals on more than 50 metrics across equity, value and outcomes—factors often overlooked in traditional hospital ratings. "Hospitals are facing unprecedented political and financial challenges," said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. "In this uncertain environment, it's more important than ever to support the socially responsible hospitals who are delivering high-quality care to all in their community." Prime Healthcare continues to strengthen its mission to save and improve hospitals through measurable results. The system's strong showing across the Index reflects focused investments in care quality, physician leadership and a commitment to serving vulnerable and underserved populations. "Social responsibility and health equity are not just goals—they are a reflection of our purpose as a healthcare organization," said Sunny Bhatia, MD, President and Corporate Chief Medical Officer of Prime Healthcare. "It is a profound responsibility and honor to care for our communities, and I commend our caregivers for the compassion, excellence and integrity they bring to every patient encounter." Sixteen of the hospitals recognized this year are not-for-profit facilities supported by the Prime Healthcare Foundation, reinforcing the Foundation's mission to expand access and advance health equity in underserved communities. "We are proud of the extraordinary physicians and staff at our Foundation hospitals who bring our mission to life each day," said Kavitha Bhatia, MD, President and Chair of the Prime Healthcare Foundation. "Their unwavering commitment to compassionate, high-quality care ensures that dignity, respect and equity remain central to every patient experience. This recognition is a testament to their leadership and dedication." Four Prime Healthcare hospitals earned a spot on the prestigious Lown Institute Honor Roll, receiving straight "A" grades across all measured categories, including Social Responsibility, Health Equity, Value of Care and Patient Outcomes: East Liverpool City Hospital (OH) Roxborough Memorial Hospital (PA) St. Mary's General Hospital (NJ) Suburban Community Hospital (PA) The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is the only ranking to combine metrics of health equity and value of care alongside patient outcomes for more than 2,700 acute care and 800 critical access hospitals nationwide, offering a holistic view of hospitals as total community partners. In the sixth annual rankings, the 2025-26 Lown Index evaluates hospitals on over 50 measures including novel metrics such as community benefit, racial inclusivity, and avoidance of overuse. Data sources include Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage claims, CMS patient safety data and hospital cost reports, and IRS 990 forms, among others. Full methodology can be found on the Lown Index website. The full list of the 46 Prime Healthcare/Prime Healthcare Foundation 2025-26 Lown Institute Hospitals Index awardees is as follows: Centinela Hospital Medical Center, Inglewood, CA; Chino Valley Medical Center; Chino, CA; Coshocton Regional Medical Center, Coshocton, OH; Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, TX; Dallas Regional Medical Center, Mesquite, TX; Desert Valley Hospital, Victorville, CA; East Liverpool City Hospital, East Liverpool, OH; Encino Hospital Medical Center, Encino, CA; Garden City Hospital, Garden City, MI; Garden Grove Hospital Medical Center, Garden Grove, CA; Harlingen Medical Center, Harlingen, TX; Huntington Beach Hospital, Huntington Beach, CA; Knapp Medical Center, Weslaco, TX; La Palma Intercommunity Hospital, La Palma, CA; Lake Huron Medical Center, Port Huron, MI; Landmark Medical Center, Woonsocket, RI; Lehigh Regional Medical Center, Lehigh Acres, FL; Lower Bucks Hospital, Bristol, PA; Mercy Medical Center, Aurora, IL; Mission Regional Medical Center, Mission, TX; Monroe Hospital, Bloomington, IN; Montclair Hospital Medical Center, Montclair, CA; North Vista Hospital, North Las Vegas, NV; Paradise Valley Hospital, National City, CA; Providence Medical Center, Kansas City, KS; Resurrection Medical Center, Chicago, IL; Riverview Regional Medical Center, Gadsden AL; Roxborough Memorial Hospital, Philadelphia, PA; Saint Clare's Denville, Denville, NJ; Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL; Saint Joseph Hospital, Elgin, IL; Saint Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, IL; Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital, Chicago, IL; Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center, Reno, NV; Saint Michael's Medical Center, Newark, NJ; San Dimas Community Hospital, San Dimas, CA; Shasta Regional Medical Center, Redding, CA; Sherman Oaks Hospital, Sherman Oaks, CA; Southern Regional Medical Center, Riverdale, GA; St. Francis Medical Center, Lynwood, CA; St. Joseph Medical Center, Kansas City, MO; St. Mary's General Hospital, Passaic, NJ; St. Mary's Hospital, Kankakee, IL; St. Mary's Medical Center, Kansas City, MO; Suburban Community Hospital, Norristown, PA; West Anaheim Medical Center, Anaheim, CA. About Prime Healthcare and Prime Healthcare Foundation Prime Healthcare is an award-winning health system operating 51 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations in 14 states, providing over 2.5 million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation's leading health systems, with nearly 57,000 employees and physicians. Eighteen of the Prime Healthcare hospitals are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Based in Ontario, California, Prime Healthcare is nationally recognized for award-winning quality care and has been named a 10 Top and 15 Top Health System by Truven Health Analytics. Its hospitals have been named among the nation's "100 Top Hospitals" 72 times and is one of Healthgrades most awarded health systems in the nation for patient safety. To learn more, please visit Find us on:LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram: View source version on Contacts Mark Reecemreece@ (916) 303-6440

Associated Press
16 minutes ago
- Associated Press
What to Do After an Accident: Edward Graves of Edward M. Graves III Accident and Injury Law Shares Critical Guidance in HelloNation
COOKEVILLE, Tenn., July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What steps should you take immediately after an accident to protect your health and legal interests? Edward Graves of Edward M. Graves III Accident and Injury Law provides a clear and practical answer in a featured article for HelloNation, emphasizing that timely actions can significantly affect both physical recovery and the strength of future claims. Graves underscores the importance of promptly gathering and preserving evidence related to your case. A thorough and timely investigation can be critical, such as obtaining witness statements, videos of the accident from nearby security cameras, obtaining blackbox data before it is destroyed, and documenting the scene and your injuries with photographs at the appropriate time. These steps will help to establish key facts from the outset. He also highlights the necessity of seeking medical attention promptly and following up in a timely manner for all necessary medical treatment. Proper medical care not only safeguards health but the records generated also serve as vital evidence for legal proceedings. The article advises prompt reporting of the incident to appropriate authorities. Official documentation plays a crucial role in verifying events, parties involved, and witnesses. Graves also cautions against discussing fault or incident details with others involved or their insurance representatives, as such statements may later be misinterpreted or misused. Keeping a detailed personal journal of the incident, including symptoms and related expenses, ensures a comprehensive record that supports both medical recovery and legal claims. Through his article, Essential Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident, Graves offers a roadmap for anyone facing the confusion and stress of an unexpected accident, reinforcing the idea that early, informed actions are key to protecting one's well-being and legal standing. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative 'edvertising' approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Patrick McCabe [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at