You're Not Fun Anymore: How Motherhood, Mental Load, and Perimenopause Shift Everything | Sanity Check

Episode Overview:

In this Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie dive into a topic that hits hard: the feeling of having lost the fun, playful side of yourself. Whether it comes from a partner, a friend, or even your own kids, hearing "you're not fun anymore" can sting deeply. They discuss personal experiences, the emotional toll of mental load, and how societal expectations often strip women—especially mothers—of their spontaneity and joy. This candid conversation explores why this happens and how we can reclaim our sense of fun.

Key Discussion Points:

• The painful impact of hearing "you're not fun anymore," especially from loved ones.
• Personal reflections from Aileen and Julie on feeling disconnected from their playful selves.
• How motherhood, mental load, and perimenopause contribute to the loss of lightness.
• The role of societal conditioning in assigning emotional labor and household management to women.
• The emotional exhaustion of juggling responsibilities while trying to maintain a joyful spirit.
• The unfair comparison to dads who often retain their playfulness.
• Practical steps to reconnect with fun: small moments of joy, dancing in the kitchen, morning music rituals, and scheduling time for fun.

Listener Takeaways:

• It's normal to feel like you've lost your fun side during certain life stages—you're not alone.
• Give yourself grace; this phase of life is demanding, and self-judgment only adds to the weight.
• Finding joy doesn’t have to be grand—small, intentional actions can reignite your playful spirit.
• It’s okay to ask for help and share the load to create space for your own joy.
• Fun isn't something you have to perform for others; it's about reconnecting with what brings you joy.

Join the Conversation:
Have you ever felt like you've lost your fun side? How have you tried to bring it back? We'd love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and tips. DM us or email at [e-mail]. Your stories might be featured in a future episode.

If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share with someone who might relate. We're all just doing our best, and that's enough.

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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

Editor: Allia Lenit Galos

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Disclaimer:

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.