Unrealistic expectations that drain our happiness |17 May 2025

By John Mayengo

As human beings, we all have previsions and expectations resulting from our daily relationships and interactions with other people. But again, the most exhausting and damaging disappointments in our day to day interactions emanate from misplaced expectations. In the end we shall agree that removing our expectations of others, is the best way to avoid being completely disappointed and drained emotionally.

Clearly therefore, the sooner you dispel the following expectations, the better for your daily joy and happiness.

• Never expect people to accord you more respect than the amount of respect you extend to yourself.

You must always have faith and trust in yourself and who you are as a person. Make a decision today never to beg anyone for the love, respect and attention you should be giving to yourself every other day.

It all starts with you and it’s about you. True, it’s important to be nice to others, BUT it’s even more important to be nice to yourself. And don’t forget, the respect you give to yourself is an important and integral element of personal growth.

• Never expect everyone to agree with you.

Yes, not every person has to agree with you. And don’t expect other people to always agree with you. Remember you deserve to live a life you’re in control of and find happiness in your own way. Don’t let the expectations and opinions of others drain your happiness, because you’re not in this world to live up to the expectations and whims of others. You surely have a greater purpose than this.

• Never expect or force everyone to like you.

One thing you must never forget is your worth. You might have feelings of being unworthy to someone, but yet you’re invaluable to another person. However, good you try to be in life, there will always be that one person whom you repel, and he will always criticise your every action. It’s high time you ignore their negative energy and rudeness and move on with your life.

• Never expect everyone to know what you’re thinking.

Why do you expect people to know what’s on your mind?

Tell people what you think, otherwise, life time opportunities may pass on you. That beautiful lady or handsome guy you have always admired doesn’t know what’s on your mind. Be bold today and tell your mind. Don’t misplace your expectations.

• Never expect to be given the same good treatment you give to others.

Yes, we do good deeds because that’s what our hearts tells us. But people have different hearts and feelings. To avoid bitter disappointments, don’t expect to be given the same good treatment from others. It’s not about getting back what you give. That’s a pathetic way to live.

With, these and of course many others, we ought to live a happier and joyful life by strictly moving away from misplaced expectations.

‘’I’m not in this World to live up to your expectations, and you’re not in this World to live up to mine.’’

-          Bruce Lee

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