Hey there. I’ve been thinking a lot about expectations lately—specifically, the expectations we place on others. It’s natural to want people to behave a certain way or to expect them to act in line with our values. But let’s be honest: how often do we end up disappointed when they don’t?

Here’s the thing I’ve learned: when you approach life with zero expectations of others, you open yourself up to a more peaceful and surprisingly fulfilling existence.

Now, I’m not saying it’s easy. As humans, we crave connection and validation. We want people to show up for us the way we show up for them. But the reality is, people are imperfect. They’re going to say silly things. They’ll make choices that don’t align with what we think they should do. And if we’re constantly holding onto expectations, we’re essentially handing them the power to disappoint us.

But here’s the magic of dropping those expectations: when you stop expecting certain behaviors, people can’t really let you down. Their actions—whether silly, thoughtless, or even a little off-putting—don’t hit as hard because you weren’t relying on them to act differently. Instead, you begin to accept them for who they are, not for who you think they should be.

The flip side is just as beautiful. When you expect nothing and someone does something kind, genuine, or thoughtful, it feels like a bonus—a delightful surprise that warms your day. You’re more inclined to notice the good in people because you’re not bogged down by frustration over unmet expectations.

For me, this mindset shift has been liberating. It doesn’t mean I don’t care about people or that I don’t want meaningful connections. Quite the opposite. Dropping expectations actually strengthens my relationships because I’m approaching them from a place of acceptance rather than judgment.

This doesn’t mean I let people walk all over me. Boundaries are still important. It’s about finding that balance between protecting your own peace and staying open to the beauty of human connection.

Of course, this mindset isn’t something you adopt overnight. I’ve had to remind myself many times: “Don’t take it personally. Let it go.” It’s an ongoing practice of self-awareness and mindfulness. But the rewards are worth it.

I find that when I release my grip on what I think people should do, I free up mental and emotional energy for things that truly matter. I focus more on my growth, my happiness, and the things that bring me joy. And when someone does something kind or genuine, it feels that much sweeter—like a surprise gift from the universe.

So, if you’re finding yourself frustrated or disappointed by people, consider giving this approach a try. Start small. Release just one expectation you’re holding onto. It could be as simple as not expecting someone to reply to your message right away or not assuming they’ll automatically see things from your perspective. See how it feels to let that weight go.

You might be surprised by how much lighter—and happier—you feel.