Expectations are not necessarily a bad thing. There is such a thing as good and realistic expectations. I have expectations, for example, I expect the chair I am sitting in not to collapse. I expect time to continue moving forward. I expect to receive a paycheck at the end of the week. I expect my kids to do their chores and homework. I expect my mechanic to fix my car. Those are examples of realistic life expectations.

A person can also have expectations of themselves. Having self-expectations is healthy, it keeps us on track and helps a person reach their goals, give us something to strive toward. Self-expectations can also be unhealthy. When those expectations are set so high that every moment of time is spent trying to live up to them is not healthy. There is a fine line for having realistic self-expectations.

The expectations that are causing me anxt right now are expectations put on me or expectations that are put on others who are connected to me. When we put our expectations on others and then not communicate what those expectations are or have expectations that are unfair we are simply setting ourselves up for disappointment which will lead to resentment. That is where I feel like we are right now, resentment has set in and it is pushing me away.

I can sit back and be hurt and feel defeated or I can communicate how these expectations are making me feel and hopefully reach a resolution before we get to the point of no return. This is easier said than done.