Here’s the thing though. If he can’t handle the mental load, “heavy lifting" as you put it for a date, then he damn sure isn’t going to when it comes running and managing a household and a family.

Maybe it’s not so much about invalidating his feelings because when it comes to griping about the mental load, my guy you are preaching to the choir. What do you suppose women have been predominantly combining about? We’re drowning under the mental load and y’all are playing computer games.

Yeah. It’s tough being responsible for everything and everyone. Why shackle yourself to someone who has proven you’ll be doing it alone as soon as the ring hits your finger or the first child is born?

Is that invalidation or just rejection with cause?

Something to think about.