I think it all started with the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  That is when we believed that if we gave someone everything we had—our time, our love, our loyalty—they would, in turn, give the same of themselves to us.  And when that didn’t happen, we were crushed and beyond disappointed.  It has taken me a while, but I have come to realize that expectations are something we impose on others.  We expect others to be loyal because we would do battle for them.  We expect others to be honest with us because we are truthful with them.  Those are our expectations and others usually will never live up to them.  People give what they are capable of giving.

Not everyone has the same heart as yours or the same values and principles as you do.  It doesn’t make them bad people; it just makes them who they are.  We can choose not to allow them in our lives, but we have no right to judge.  Truthfully, we set ourselves up for disappointment by imposing our expectations on others.  They aren’t capable of being you; only you can do that.  So, do you to the best of your ability.  The Golden Rule didn’t say, “…and everyone will do likewise.”  Appreciate others for what they are capable of giving.  Be an example of The Golden Rule, and when you find those kindred spirits, hold on to them and keep them in your life.