If you are a child, you need to study well for your parents are expecting you to get good results. And once you have started working, then the type of job that you want to apply and have also depend pretty much on your parents. Not only that, but who you choose for your life partner and stuff like that will also have to depend on expectations. And more of it, as your days are numbered.
The important thing is, who are these expectations for? And who are you living up to these ideas and something that is decided for you even before you were born. Whenever I have my mini stresses, I would ponder and ask myself "whose expectations am I living up to?" And I know that I am answerable to no one, but myself. So why do I care so much about what other people feel? Is it the society's expectations of us all? Whose dreams and aspirations are your parents and mine living up for? Are we making up for their mistakes in life? Are they just wanting us to live the dreams of someone they believed in their lives before? And when you are having a life partner, and your partner demands this and that of you, are you living her or his dreams then? So, when is the moment when you are not answerable to anyone but yourself? When is the time, I wonder?
There are lots of theories to this, I am sure. But it really depends to the individualistic self in us to help solve this matter. The common sense of it all is not to please anyone but yourself, but whey do the feelings of guilt surface whenever you are not living up to anyone's expectations at all? Funny is the word, that is what I personally feel. If you have the chance to read this article, hopefully you will get my drift and would know where I'm coming from. Think about your own life, and whose expectations are you actually living up to....
