A wise man once said, “Expectation is the root of all heartache.” Our very own Shakespeare said this quote. Often in life, we tend to have strong beliefs that everything should go our way; the way a child should perform in their 12th boards, or even talk or behave in a certain manner for a parent, the perfect job/college, the marks or even the way one should treat you. After all, what is an expectation?
An expectation is typically anticipation or anticipating with confidence of fulfilment. It is alright to have expectations from your child or a friend or your status in a job. For instance, one expects to get a promotion, or in terms of a relationship, one expects the significant other to propose.
However, what will the outcome be once you have that expectation? Just sheer disappointment and no satisfaction and ultimately you end up feeling hopeless and upset.
I believe the worst thing you can do to yourself is to continue expecting out of every situation. Just give it your best, give love, care and help others, but do not ever expect anything in return. If you do get something, that is fantabulous, but if you don’t, brush it aside. Know this ugly truth of life now or regret not knowing later.
I have been betrayed in the past by a “friend” who I thought of as a sister, although I knew her for only 3 years. I cared so much for her, travelled far to meet her, but all she did was use me and never value our friendship. I did have great expectations that the friendship would last long, but not anymore. From that moment, I learnt that it is not worth expecting from people, events, situations, etc. It will only lead you to unhappiness.
To conclude, I have kept it as a new year resolution to give, be the best I can and never expect. It will kill you from inside and all the happy vibes will die off. It is truly a silent killer. Choose what to expect from whom wisely.