I completely understand that reaction. “Mind reading” can be one of the most frustrating dynamics in relationships, especially when someone is expected to know what is wanted and then criticised for getting it wrong.
What I’m interested in exploring is the emotional tension underneath that. Many of us do want to feel known by the person who loves us, but that wish can become unfair when it stays unspoken. Birthdays seem to expose this particularly well: the wish to be understood is valid, but so is the need to share out loud what this means for us specifically.
What you are describing is “mind reading.” It is a huge pet peeve of mine.
I completely understand that reaction. “Mind reading” can be one of the most frustrating dynamics in relationships, especially when someone is expected to know what is wanted and then criticised for getting it wrong.
What I’m interested in exploring is the emotional tension underneath that. Many of us do want to feel known by the person who loves us, but that wish can become unfair when it stays unspoken. Birthdays seem to expose this particularly well: the wish to be understood is valid, but so is the need to share out loud what this means for us specifically.