Intimacy, Expectations, and Reality

Intimacy, Expectations, and Reality

Our expectations are more important and powerful than we may realize.

Our expectation for our relationship paradoxically may be the very thing that brings us sorrow and the very thing that brings us success.

If we believe our relationship will be perfect, struggle free, and happy ever after, we most likely will be disappointed as the real life world happens.

And yet, if we don't go into a relationship with the hope and belief that it will be a wonderful and fulfilling experience we may not have what it takes to bring our dreams to pass.

So, what do we do?

Regardless of where we are in our relationship, if it is just new or if we have been together for many years, it is important to have dreams and hopes. It is important to keep it growing and blossoming. It is important to have something for which to look forward.

It is also important to keep in mind that there may be difficult times, challenging times, and times of discouragement. To pretend that one is immune to these times is to create an imaginary fantasy that most likely will lead to feelings of deep disappointment and failure.

But, if one understands that our intimate relationships are filled with all sorts of ups and downs, more like a great adventure than the fairy tale ease of our childhood stories, one will have the strength to work through the difficult times and still hold the dreams of possibility.