Expectations

Expectations

“If you expect nothing from somebody you are never disappointed.” Sylvia Plath

Expectations arise from uncertainties. When the outcomes are unknown, resources are limited or need arises for help, expectations arise. This is a natural course of events. It is often coupled with trust, relationship or mutual understanding. Seldom does it stand alone. However it is often conceived to be one of the earlier mentioned qualities.

The truth is otherwise. Expectations have nothing to do with love, care, understanding, trust or relationship. Expectation is your hope in something without a concrete reason. If something is assured there is no cause for expectation, only knowledge that it will occur. Rarely are expectations fulfilled to the fullest.

For one simple reason. Expectations are not based on concrete facts. They are just a fabrication of one’s mind. This in turn always tends to be a far cry from a realistic assessment. In fact almost all expectations are over expectations. And invariable never are they fulfilled.

It is when expectations are involved in the planning of major life, social or corporate. It tends to carry with it serious impacts. In fact all planning carry an element of expectation. And since expectations can never be quantified satisfactorily. You can never say for sure that your expectation was 10% fulfilled or 60% unfulfilled. This kind of quantification has often been seen to fail and to invoke a sense of disappointment or discouragement.

The quote at the beginning of the narrative by Sylvia Plath, despite being a negative one is one that reflects a truth. Expectations can be sky high but realities often are earth bound