How Can Expectations Comply with Reality?

We’re not perfect enough to be continuously happy. Knowing this should prevent unrealistic expectations from being placed on oneself and others. A woman in her mid-twenties related how she canceled her engagement to a man she had dated for three years. The man could not meet her expectations as a future husband.

It’s not uncommon for those stricken with romantic love to project perfection onto the object their affection. I’m not implying that romantic love should not be part of the equation. However, it is possible to overrule the reality of imperfections in order to embrace a desired relationship.

God is always faithful in revealing the true nature and character of another person, where there is an open mind to accept what is true and factual. God sees us as we really are and still loves us unconditionally, and so I offer my thanksgiving. Expectations based on reality make happiness a greater possibility. The faithfulness of God is our greatest source for joy and peace.  

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To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness.  

~Ecclesiastes 2:26 New International Version

 

I rely on your constant love; I will be glad, because you will rescue me. I will sing to you, O Lord, because you have been good to me.

~Psalm 13:5-6 Good News Bible

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How Do Expectations Affect Your Happiness?

There are those who say happiness is an illusion, a figment of the imagination, while others testify that happiness is possible, but not on a continuous basis. Happiness has a lot to do with expectations you have of yourself and others. If you were asked, “Who is the happiest person in your  family,” how would you answer?

When expectations fail to materialize, disappointment is normal. Unmet expectations create unhappiness, and if reality isn’t acknowledged, anger stemming from disappointment can evolve into depression which can distress the whole family. It’s important to realize depression is linked to grief.

By adjusting your expectations to comply with reality, you will be happier and so will those whom you love. Remember, God does not expect you to be flawless or sinless. That’s why he sent Jesus to be your Redeemer and Savior. As you accept this, God will give you more tolerance for others, resulting in you experiencing more joy and peace.  

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The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city, and a huge crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him, shouting, “The Savior! God bless the King of Israel!”  

~John 12:12-13 The Living Bible

 

“When you go through deep waters and great troubles, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up – the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel.”

~Isaiah 43:2-3 The Living Bible

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.