Don’t Expect Anything from Anyone
Life is full of expectations. Even though there is so much uncertainty with every single decision we make, we will still come up with an expectation of our own. When that expectation isn’t fulfilled, we are met with disappointment. It’s normal; it’s human. It’s not something to be ashamed of, but it’s something to be aware of.
From a young age, my dad has told me to never have expectations. Whether it’s with a job, plans, trips, friends, school, etc. The expectations that you either create or others tell you can very easily be crushed. Unfortunately, throughout the years I’ve learned this the hard way, as I’m sure many others also have. It’s hard to not expect anything from anyone. Personally, I think this has applied to my life more significantly when it comes to relationships with others. As someone who has a big heart, I expect people to treat me the same way I treat them. When it comes to kindness and respect, sure, you can except that. But when it comes to trusting someone and knowing they are going to be there for you, never expect that. Because you will be disappointed.
I went into high school thinking that the friends I had there were going to be the people that always showed up for me. I went into college thinking that the friends I would make would be my lifelong friends. I went into relationships thinking that person would never do something to hurt me based on how much they cared about me. But that’s not always the truth. In the world we live in today, you have to look out for yourself. You have to be selfish and make hard choices, but that doesn’t mean disregarding the people you do care about. Maintaining your health and well-being while avoiding letting others take advantage of you requires a delicate balance.
I’ve made a list over the past year to remind myself of this balance, and I thought i’d share.
Make sure you aren’t the only one putting in effort—a friendship/relationship is two-sided.
Don’t feel guilty taking a day, or even just a few hours, to yourself—being mentally, socially, or physically drained is a sign that your body needs rest.
Remind yourself of your goals and acknowledge if something is holding you back from those goals.
Check in on those you care about at LEAST once a month—you never know what people are going through.
Don’t. Expect. Anything.
Everything happens for a reason.