Kate's Tip of the Week
Expectations
I was so looking forward to our holiday, the chance to lounge on the beach and soak up the sun. It all started to go wrong on the first day. He was restless, grumbling about this and that - by the end of the day I was fed up and my dreams lay in tatters around my feet. As we sat over our coffee after a rather silent meal, he said; "I hate sitting around on holiday. There's so much to see around here, why don't we hire a car tomorrow and go exploring?"
"But I came to relax on the beach," I exclaimed in horror. "I didn't realise you hated the beach so much."
How easy it is to assume we know each other so well and yet still have things to learn. Most of us find out sooner or later the different expectations we have for a holiday, but are we in the habit of sharing expectations at other times, or do we expect our partner to read our mind?
When he comes in from work tired and hungry and she is waiting eagerly to tell him about her day. He expects some space to unwind, she expects a listening and attentive ear. Both are dissatisfied and the atmosphere is tinged with chill. They blame each other for being unreasonable - if only they would share their hopes.
Do you talk about your expectations? About the annual holiday? About what you want to do at the weekend? About how you will spend the money coming in? About your love making? About growing old together?
What are you expecting from your partner today? Do they know?
Tip by Kate
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