EXPECTATIONS

 

“If you expect nothing from somebody you are never disappointed.” This quote by Sylvia Plath is simple yet critical. An individual who expects nothing from anybody has nothing to lose. He or she will acquire extreme happiness in life as he or she is least expectant of a reward or return. This kind of individual will also habitually deem returns as a 'bonus'. 

Once a child is born, his or her fate is already written by the parents or sometimes even society. Parents expect their children to grow up well, get into a good school, be disciplined, get into a university that they choose, and do a job that they want them to do. There are numerous cases where children have met their parent's expectations. But those who have not are termed 'unworthy of their parent's love or effort'. At the end of the day, both parties are left gloomy. 

A child has to live his or her life according to what he or she wishes. If children were to live according to the likes and dislikes of their parents, then it would mean that they are living their parent's dream. Every child is blessed with a talent. Every child is unique. Lower your expectations and let them surprise you! Forcing them to do what they do not enjoy not only destroys their creativity but also destroys their entire individuality. 

Women are expected to condone certain 'self-created' norms set up by society. They should know how to run the house and most importantly cook. ''Haven't you come of age? You should start cooking!" - most girls face this question at least once in a lifetime. But the percentage of boys who face this question is as small as a fistful of dust. Why not expect the same from men? Eating is an activity of sustainment. Hence, everyone should learn to cook.

Children are expected to score well. Schools, themselves discriminate against their students based on their academic performance. Front benchers are the pride and the future of the world while the backbenchers are deemed as hopeless. While education is important, scores do not undermine who a person is. 

''The Best Brains Of The Country May Be Found On The Last Benches Of The Classroom.” This quote is by a backbencher, the son of a boat owner from the coastal town of Rameshwaram who later proceeded to be the President of India. He is none other than Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam BR, an Indian aerospace scientist, and statesman who served as the 11th president of India from 2002 to 2007. 

Never expect too much. Living according to the standards set up by society is not conformity. Set your own standards! It's completely fine to be different. Follow your morale and understand what is right and wrong. Have the mentality to accept your mistakes with an openness to change. 

When you stop expecting too much from a person, you end up liking them for who they are. No man is perfect. We all make mistakes. Success comes with failure. Hence, expecting too much from an individual in this world is similar to expecting an ant to lift a stone. Improve your reality and lower your expectations. These small steps can bring huge happiness to your life. 

                                                                                                                     Photo credits:https://www.pexels.com/