The expectations we have in our personal and professional relationships can often become the source of conflict and discontent. We may ‘expect’ things from other people and when these expectations are not met, we are disappointed.
Understanding expectations
Not having any expectations of anyone for fear of being disappointed seems an unrealistic and disengaged way of going about things. At the same time, it is undeniable that having strong expectations brings with it the unexpected possibility of being let down. The nature of our expectations matters then.
Are you very attached to your ‘expectations’ or do you hold them lightly? It is one thing to have a working hypothesis about how someone will behave, it is quite another to take someone’s behaviour for granted.
Working hypothesis
Having expectations as sort of working hypotheses allows you to recognise that circumstances matter. The conditions in a person’s life might mean that a certain kind of behaviour might be expected under a certain set of circumstances.
Put the same person in a completely different environment and their behaviour may be fundamentally different. To expect the same would be both unwise and illogical. For example, circumstances may compel a generally calm and honest individual to behave in ways that would seem uncharacteristic and unexpected.
We are all capable of being that person under the right conditions. That person who does the unthinkable and the unexpected. There is a reason that duress exists as a defence in law.
Noticing changes
We may be good at adjusting what we expect for large variations in circumstances. We are less good at noticing how subtle and less observable changes in circumstances can impact someone’s behaviour.
For example, stress might lead to a colleague, friend or spouse who normally communicates very openly in that relationship appearing distant or uncollaborative. And, they may even be acting in this way unconsciously, swept-up in their own difficulty.
To always expect the same – very open communication in this case – may not be the most useful approach.
Final Thoughts
Circumstances might make someone less able to be their ‘normal’ self. If so, support them through that. It is easy to have fixed views and strong expectations of how people should be. It takes courage to hold our expectations lightly and to recognise our common human fallibility. Have a working hypothesis by all means, but don’t take anyone’s behaviour for granted.
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