We all have them, some are realistic others..not so much.
What makes an expectation unrealistic? I suppose if you have decided on a certain outcome inside a situation and are powerless to influence the turn of events it can be unrealistic. We can only hope to predict what will happen if we can do something about it. There are many examples of what I am describing. If one is in a love relationship, and “expects” the other to perform in certain ways and they do not, it can be very disappointing. We cannot know how another is thinking and/or feeling. Trying to force another human into what we feel is nearly impossible and unhealthy. You might be accused of being “controlling” if you are not comfortable with allowing another to come to a decision for themselves. The category of gifting is another example of asking for disappointment if you expect one type of gift and it never appears. We “expect” someone to respond in a certain way, and they just don’t.
How do you not set yourself up for not being disappointed? I believe and practice allowing situations to unfold organically. Do your part and do not wait for a response, keep marching down your own path, welcoming new people, places and things when they show up. If nothing is showing up, give your faith a kick in the ass by being patient in all outcomes. Give thanks for what is and be excited for what will come in divine time.
Gratitude, again, is the magic feeling that brings in the new and “just for you” happenings!