Mariel Segarra

Okay, let's do it.

Dear Life Kit, I have a coworker who I absolutely adore, and we're friends outside the workplace as well.

She has three young children, and she prioritizes being a good mom over things at work.

But when she has to call out for doctor's appointments, sick days, or holidays, the job of picking up the slack at work tends to fall on me.

Our boss doesn't see the problem, and I realize it's my own fault for taking things on.

I have a lot of trouble delegating or asking for help since I often find myself so stressed that it's easier just to do things myself.

I'm happily childless myself, and I want my friend and coworker to be able to prioritize her family.

I feel terrible for feeling resentful.

How do I stop this cycle of stress?

Just kidding.

Okay.

I think this is a really juicy question.

And at first glance...

It seems like a parent versus child-free values type of question, I think.

But I think actually this is a you versus you question.

Personally, I think that's what it is.

Do you agree?

Yeah, I agree.

It's a you versus the perceived child.

expectations of you, the largely unstated expectations of you, letter writer.