The Great Expectations: A Comprehensive Guide to Disappointment
Great Expectations, or the art of setting yourself up for failure, is a phenomenon that has plagued humanity for centuries. From expecting your crush to reciprocate your feelings to believing that this year’s Presidential Election will be free from drama, Great Expectations have the power to crush even the most optimistic souls.
Origins of Great Expectations
The first documented case of Great Expectations occurred in Ancient Greece when a man named Sisyphus was tasked with rolling a boulder uphill all day, every day. Despite knowing the futility of his task, Sisyphus continued to labor, fully expecting to someday see his boulder reach the summit. Suffice to say, that day never came.
The Evolution of Great Expectations
Over time, Great Expectations have evolved to encompass a wide range of scenarios, including but not limited to:
Expecting your order to arrive on time: This expectation is so common that it should have its own entry in the encyclopedia.
Expecting to lose weight without diet or exercise: We have all been there - staring into our fridge, fully expecting the food to magically disappear.
Expecting your friends to bail you out of trouble: No, Karen, just because we are “besties” does not mean I will bail you out of jail for stealing that hedgehog from the petting zoo.
The Symptoms of Great Expectations
How do you know if you are suffering from Great Expectations? Symptoms include:
- A feeling of excitement and anticipation that is disproportionate to the situation
- Irritation or anger when reality fails to meet expectations
- An overwhelming urge to blame external factors for the disappointment
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately (just kidding, please don’t actually do that).
The Cure for Great Expectations
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Great Expectations. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize the impact:
- Remember that expectations are just that - expectations. They are not guarantees, nor are they representative of reality.
- Focus on the present moment and appreciate the good things in your life, rather than dwelling on what could have been.
- Learn to laugh at yourself and your expectations. After all, life is too short to take everything seriously.
In conclusion, Great Expectations are a natural part of the human experience, but they can also be a source of disappointment and frustration. By recognizing the absurdity of our expectations and learning to appreciate the present moment, we can all live happier, more fulfilling lives. And if all else fails, blame Karen for stealing that hedgehog - it’s what she deserves.