What are you expecting?

We all have expectations in our relationships, but they may be damaging especially if our expectations of our partner are of a high standard that is difficult to achieve.  High expectations can take form in several ways.  Let’s look at a few: -

Expecting ‘things’ to just work out.

You cannot expect your relationship to just work out, it is the ongoing work that you put in daily by being mindful and attentive to your partner’s feelings, desires and needs.

The way I was brought up.

The expectation of the tradition in your family of origin will carry on in the relationship with your partner.  If you are expecting your partner to be as accomplished as your parent, perhaps comparing your partner to your mum or dad, you are expecting the unachievable!    

Expecting the unexpected

When we expect our partner to do certain things or know certain things when we have never communicated this to them.  Our partner is not a mind reader, we need to communicate with them effectively. 

The expectation of changing your partner

This expectation can be damaging to a relationship when you are trying to change who your partner is.  Why would you want to change them?  

Let Hope Springs assist you to communicate effectively and visit some of the expectations each person has been holding.

Adapted from PsychCentral