I now care for my dad, who has stage four kidney cancer. I’m an only child, so it’s all on me, alongside working full time. As hard as it is, I’ve accepted that’s just how it is.
The bit I’m struggling with is the impact it’s having on my relationship. I think my partner probably feels overlooked, but I just don’t have the time or headspace right now. In my head, I’m putting everything into supporting my dad, so I almost feel like my partner should be looking after me for a bit (sorry if that sounds entitled - hopefully you know what I mean).
He is, in the ways he can. He does some of the practical things, which I really appreciate. I just find it hard when he gets frustrated with my dad for being stubborn or not seeming grateful. I know it comes from seeing what it’s doing to me, but I don’t need him to be annoyed at my dad - I just need him to be there for me.
I can feel it driving a wedge between us, and the weight of caring, working and all the emotional “what ifs” is really starting to take its toll.
Has anyone else found this? Or felt like people are trying to support you, but it just doesn’t quite land?
