If you’re human (you all are, right?), you’ve likely had several dances with disappointment. And often those disappointments are because someone has let you down (or at least they’ve let your expectations down) at one time or another.

I know this may be difficult to hear, but the truth is that when you set expectations of others, you’re always going to be let down, and you’re never going to see the good in that person. So how do you get around this?

A recent realization I’ve made is that each person is meant to play a particular role. For example, maybe your friend, Sally, is hilarious, but she always bails on your get-togethers. But then you have another friend, who always has your back and can hold space for you when you’re upset. See how they both fulfill different roles in your life?

“Let people show up in the roles that they are best at.”

Once you realize that all friends don’t have to be ALL things you can free yourself and enjoy ALL of your relationships. Let go of your expectations!

Have you ever connected with someone only to never hear from them again? Of course you question why that is (was it something I said?), but most times it has nothing to do with you! Sometimes it’s just too much pressure for that person and they don’t want to let you down.

Go into all relationships with ZERO expectations. Don’t hold them to anything and just let them be their authentic selves.

“Release them. Free them. Free yourself.”

Instead of expecting, allow yourself to surprised. We all like a good surprise, right?

Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.