False Expectations and Communication

False expectations lead to false hope which leads to disappointment. What is the primary reason that false expectations occur? LACK OF COMMUNICATION is the answer.

Sometimes, it is not that the existing parties did not talk to each other, but the problem is that somehow each person’s expectations were not properly communicated, which resulted in unnecessary hurt and disappointment.

This process happens all the time, and unfortunately, it normally happens with the people you care the most about. The most hurt usually happens with the people we love the most, because we have taken a risk to open our hearts in a vulnerable way not knowing what the outcome will be.

We form expectations as a way to protect our hearts from the fear of the unknown. Completely free hearts are unhindered to love, laugh, give and serve without expecting anything in return.

Our goal is to be expectation-free and love without expecting reciprocation. However, although we can move in this direction, our hearts on this side of eternity will continue to be influenced by the bounds of fallen humanity until the Lord establishes the fullness of His pain-free, sin-free kingdom.

Disappointment and heartache are inevitable in this fallen world, but they can be minimized. The way to minimize it, however, is not to draw back from taking risks of love, but to use wisdom in risk-taking and to learn to identify and carefully communicate our expectations to those close to us.

The more communication we have in relationships, the less we hurt and disappoint one another. When we express an expectation, we must not then require the other person to meet that expectation, but we must realize it is a communication tool to express to the other person ways that we receive love.

Our desire to express love to one another and minimize disappointment will fuel our attempts to develop healthy and frequent communication with those we love. Learning to identify and express expectations will help us to eliminate false expectations and minimize disappointment and heartache.