No, I do believe it is not my job to make someone happy all the time. They have to have some skin in the game. Especially if we both work full time jobs and experience life's normal challenges everyday. I can't even read your mind even though you think I can or should. Just not the case.
It's really my job to make myself happy. I have total control over that. Now that I'm older and more selfish, my main focus becomes if I'm not happy, then no one is..... Once again, more selfish not totally selfish.
Shanita...
I have real issues with that mind reading thing...in fact I have issues with a whole host of passive aggressive behavior. First of all its too much responsibility and too much energy to figure out what someone wants, when it is so easy to just say what you need. I'm very much up front with my feelings here, just as I have no issue telling someone what I want and need..nee demand what I need. If you can't give it to me, then we need to revisit why we are even together.
Happiness is an internal function...based often in gratitude and self awareness. Therefore it is even an impossibility for someone to make you happy. That is not to say that someone cannot enter your life and interrupt your bliss, however. Their mess, their games, their bullshit can mess with your happiness. And, if that is the case, you have some serious discussions to have and even some decisions to make. Just my opinion though..
David.....
Think you hit it out of the park. Mind reading.... such a good point. And you are right... it does create passive aggressive behavior. "You should know what I am thinking, we've been together long enough for you to". Really? I have seen it first hand. Drives me nuts. But once again, not my reality.
Do you and your partner have a surfacy or deep relationship? That will gauge how sound your conversations will be. If one partner's reality is conversational surface and the other is conversational deep, then hopefully you can meet in the middle. I think the communication component is paramount in your ability to help your mate be happy. Even though it is not my job to make her happy....