11 comments

Expectations in a Relationship

So many times people connect with another and see just what they want to see. They keep that image and down the road it does not allow the other person to be fully themselves and it be ok. When you have these false expectations the other person can never win and in the end you both lose. 

It is good to have expectations in a relationship, like being treated kindly and so forth. Yet when you have real expectations it is best to share them with your loved one so they know what you expect. Instead of having expectations and not telling them, then blaming them because they did not meet them. Yikes. No one wins there either!

Some Good Tips
  • don’t have fantasy expectations
  • share your real expectations
  • allow the other person room to be exactly who they are
  • love with an unconditional love
  • keep communication open
  • clear any withholds when you have them
  • revisit your expectations on a regular basis
About the Author

Michelle has over 20 years experience in coaching, leadership and motivation. She is passionate about creating a community for growth, healing and support. She has been recognized for her work both locally and nationally. She inspires audiences and clients with her down to earth stories of struggle and growth. She believes that being authentic has been the key to her success.

  • I really enjoyed this post. It rings true for me. When I first realized the importance of letting expectations go, and just letting my other half “be” who they are and accept them for that, life became so much easier. It makes perfect sense and allows us to love unconditionally. Nice. Thank you, Michelle.

  • Having and managing expectations is the way to go. When you learn to manage expectations, everything in the long run will work out as planned. Great overall post!

  • The main thing about this whole topic is that a person has to give without expecting anything in return. There must be no strings attached. If there are any types of attachments then the relationship is over, be it personal and business.

    And also be open to receiving stuff. If you aren’t open to it or are nonchalant about it by saying something like “you didn’t have to do that,” then in the future someone else will be getting the gift or anything else instead of you.

    There must be giving and receiving which is a two way street and people must stop changing the formula to building relationships or else they will unfortunately lose friends as quick as they made them.

    Lawrence Bergfeld

    • Love your point about the receiving portion. That has been a lesson that showed up for healing in May of last year and that I finally got by years end. It is huge. It is an important part of the circle. Thank you for the reminder!

  • I think it is really important to keep communication open, so agree with your thought that blaming others for not living up to our expectations could make us miserable in the long run.

  • This is a very timely post for me. I am guilty of having fantasy expectations and sometimes have a hard time letting them go. Particularly with new people that I meet. I appreciate your advice and will take it to heart. Thank you.

  • {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
    >