INTRO

Introductions:
My Name is Matthew, and I am a soldier. I have an interesting view that I share from time to time with the folks I encounter as I walk the road. Some of those people have encouraged me to seek out ways to help others or simply share my views or ideas with more people. I will blog on many subjects, from things that piss me off on a daily basis to more important issues such as dealing with chronic depression and the struggles that ensue as a result. I will be taking bits and pieces from emails and rants that I have verbalized as well, so if you see something we have talked about please, smile and nod...Thanks for reading.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Expectations

             I would like to address expectations. People seem to get caught up in what they believe others should say or do in a given situation and then end up frustrated, mad, hurt, or angry. This is simple. We take a situation where we think that someone should respond a certain way and when they don't we FREAK OUT! I like to pretend that everyone I'm talking to is in the middle of the worst day of their life. Seriously, it works, try it some time. If you pretend that the guy who just ran into you in the hallway is on his way to the hospital where his Wife is in labor, you won't be offended. If you are offended, it's because you expected that person to behave in a "normal" way.

            What the hell is "normal" ?? Have you looked in the mirror ? Chances are pretty good that YOU aren't "normal". Again, lets take for example the black Honda. I was going somewhere recently and in the parking lot sat a Honda, straddling the line in the middle of a crowded parking lot. This person meant NOTHING by parking in the middle of two spots. It's not this person's intent to slight everyone trying to park there. They had no idea that it would cause a fuss. However, unbeknownst to them, a whole host of people came through the door, each person saying derogatory remarks about the "person" who parked in the middle of two spots.

             If we as people had no expectations of those around us we wouldn't be upset or put out when they don't adhere to our ideals or morals. We in America want it our way right away and we don't give a damn who we offend in the process. We expect this, and we are upset when we don't get our way. Try going through life just hoping that people don't get mad and yell at you. Imagine for a moment that everyone you encounter hates your guts and would rather face a zombie than look at you face to face. The next person you see who smiles at you just made your day. You didn't have any expectations! You didn't expect people to be friendly to you. Why should you ?

            You think you are the only person who got up on the wrong side of the bed or had a bad hair day? The point is that if we can get rid of our ideas about how others should treat us or behave in a given setting we might find ourselves feeling a little less frustrated when the guy in front of us is doing 10 under the speed limit. Have YOU ever gone into an unfamiliar neighborhood looking for a friend's house for his child's fifth birthday? I bet you drove ten under and were offended when the *expletive* behind you flipped you the bird and cussed as he sped off after you turned into the drive of your friend's house. Just something to consider... Thanks for reading.

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4 comments:

  1. Spot on! Too many expectations lead to too many frustrations, and that's just not good for anyone!

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  2. Oh yeah, I know the feeling. I think sometimes some people think they're the only ones in the world that matter and are oblivious to the needs or wants of others. Fortunately there are still a lot of decent folks out there to counterbalance the unpleasantness.

    Lee
    An A to Z Co-Host
    Tossing It Out

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    Replies
    1. Decent folks make the world go 'round and keep each other going. Thanks again for the comments. I really do appreciate the feedback.

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