What to expect when you're expecting.

Disappointment.

It's actually a title of a movie that is based on a book about pregnancy and expecting a baby. But I was pondering this phrase today as I reflected on how we all have expectations, especially in relationships & friendships. Our expectations are so different and without verbalizing what our expectations are, we set ourselves up for disappointment. No, it's not the other person that fails to meet your expectations; it's us placing these unsaid expectations on people and expecting people to meet them. The whole read-my-mind-and-get-it-right mentality. Don't get me wrong, I'm guilty of this. I've been in a relationship where I've totally placed expectations on a guy and we entered this vicious cycle of being frustrated, talking things out, feeling disconnected etc. That's why I'm able to write about it. But today I actually got a glimpse of why guys may be frustrated when girls get upset at a guy for not doing something when the guy really had no idea that that was what the girl expected. Ya feel?

Anyway, my own shortcomings were brought to light. My pride stops me from loving people the way they receive love because they expect it from me. Twisted, huh? There's something about giving to people who have expectations that just really bugs me. But why? Why can't I just let down my pride and love people? It's my own sin and my desire to be given credit for spontaneity.

I wish to be more like Him who gives more than what we expect.