Hi community, I'm writing this with a heavy heart tonight and could really use some perspective from others juggling marriage and intense caregiving.

I am the primary caregiver for my father. My husband is a huge help, patient, and deeply understanding of how demanding my dad can get and how exhausted I am. He never complains about neglected household chores or spending less time with his side of the family.

The problem is sheer exhaustion. By the time my dad is settled, my husband and I are physically and emotionally drained. When we do talk, it’s 100% logistics—ordering diapers or scheduling doctor visits.

I feel like I buried all the romance and laughter we used to share under  a big monstrous mountain of caregiving duties. I love my husband deeply, but going to bed in total silence makes me worry. Are we slowly drifting apart? Will we wake up in five years as strangers sharing a house and a schedule? His patience almost makes me feel worse, like he's sacrificing so much while I fail to manage.

For those who have been through this, how do you carve out even a sliver of space for your partner when your cup is completely empty?