176. Why Motherhood Creates Distance in Marriages and How to Reconnect with Michelle Purta

Have you ever looked at your partner and thought, "How did we get here?" Somewhere between kids, schedules, groceries, and keeping the household running, many moms begin to feel more like roommates or co-managers than romantic partners.   In this episode, Whitney sits down with marriage coach Michelle Purta to explore why this shift is so common in motherhood, and why it is not a sign that a marriage is broken, but a signal that mental and emotional load has quietly taken over.   They talk honestly about how resentment builds when needs go unspoken, why hard conversations often come out sharper than we intend, and how mental load plays a bigger role in disconnection than we realize. Michelle shares simple, grounded ways to approach conversations differently, from pausing to regulate yourself first, to asking for support clearly and naming why it matters, to creating small moments of connection that do not feel like another item on the to-do list.   If you are feeling stretched thin, disconnected, or longing to feel like a team again, this episode meets you right where you are. Tune in for practical, doable practices that support reconnection with yourself and with your partner.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: Why motherhood naturally creates distance in romantic relationships How to set up consensual conversations instead of ambushing your partner A surprising thing you may not know about even the healthiest couples Examples of micro-connections: intentional check-ins, longer hugs, non-logistics conversations, small acts of support How having a clear vision for your life and relationship guides healthier choices now Reflection question to ponder:  How do I want my life to be like?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast   Connect with Michelle: Instagram | Website | Marriage and Motherhood Podcast