wtf taxes?!

I just did them for self and partner (haven't submitted yet, and hoping I can tweak them a little) and we OWE money. I take it this should be viewed as a good thing, that we're making more money...but it doesn't feel good. I'm claiming both kids and getting something back, though less than I have before because I made more. Straight up, I could've worked (or claimed) less and gotten my fat return and called it even. Bullshit. Partner owes more than I'm getting back, which completely boggles my mind because he makes practically nothing.
I'm so confounded by this. any thoughts or advice, mama's?