Friday Musing-Unspoken Expectations

We expect people to understand what we need, how we feel, and what we value- without ever saying anything. When they don’t, we get frustrated.

Unfortunately, the problem is unspoken expectations. They set us up for disappointment. We assume others will act in ways we haven’t made clear, and when they don’t, resentment follows.

Clear communication is the antidote. Say what you need. Define your expectations. Give others the chance to meet them instead of setting them up to fail.

In matters of interpersonal interactions, frustration isn’t just a reaction. It is often the result of silence where words were needed. Someone wise said it nicely: “Unspoken expectations are future resentments.”