First of all, it is important to understand that expectations are inevitable. They do not make the relationship weaker or less honest. It’s just how our brain works: it fills the unknown with what seems familiar and understandable. But the problem begins when these expectations become the only possible option.

It is useful to ask yourself the question: are my expectations about a real person or about an image that I have created for myself? Sometimes we expect our partner to be more attentive, more open, more emotional or more proactive because it makes us more comfortable. But this does not mean that a person is obliged to correspond to a pre-drawn picture.

The next step is an open conversation. Mismatched expectations often become a problem not because of differences, but because of silence. If you honestly talk about what you want to see in a relationship, what is important and what causes anxiety, there is a chance to find a common language. Even a simple discussion can reveal that the other person is not against the change at all, they just didn’t realize it was important.

It’s equally important to ask yourself: which expectations can be adjusted, and which ones go against your own values? It happens that disappointment is not a sign of capriciousness, but a signal that the relationship is moving in the wrong direction. Other times, the difference between dream and reality is just room for growth, not a dead end.

The coincidence of expectations and reality is not a necessary condition for a happy relationship. Much more important is the ability to adapt, discuss, and seek balance. When partners are ready to hear each other, relationships become not ideal, but lively - and these are the ones that most often turn out to be the strongest.