Hi dragonphoto, these little communication snafus are so important. It would have been helpful to you if your wife let you know she wanted the lawn mowed when you asked her what she needed. She didn't. Can you two learn from this? I have seen in another thread that you and your wife are going to couples therapy. One of the most valuable things that can come out of couples therapy is better communication. Can you share this incident with your counselor next time you see him/her? This will help clue him/her in to the communication patterns between you two that he can work with you to improve.

I'm not saying this is the case with your wife, but sometimes when the woman feels she has been neglected and her needs not met for a long time, it becomes really scary to tell her partner what she needs, for fear of rejection. The very act of asking for something is terrifying. Even something like, "would you be able to mow the lawn, please?" This is something the woman can work on in therapy. Again, not saying this is the situation in your relationship...