---
title: Let Go of Expectations and Start Enjoying Your Relationship
description: Does love keep disappointing you? Learn to let go of expectations in a relationship, discover more ease, and increased joy in your life and relationships.
image: https://blog.heartmanity.com/hubfs/Personal-perspective-of-couple-relaxing-on-top-of-Grand-Canyon%3B-feet-view%3B--People-travel-vacations-relaxation-concept-1159370091_Compressed.jpeg
---

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# [*Let Go of Expectations and Start Enjoying Your Relationship*](https://blog.heartmanity.com/let-go-of-expectations-and-start-enjoying-your-relationship)

Expectations. Is it healthy to have expectations in a relationship? Or do they set us up for disappointment and strife? Many think expectations are acceptable—even agreed upon when we commit and say "I do."

However, it's been my experience that it is far better to *assume nothing* and *presume innocence* when our expectations get trampled by unexpected changes. No matter how much you plan, reality will nearly always be different.

*Estimated reading time: 5 minutes*

## ![Personal-perspective-of-couple-relaxing-on-top-of-Grand-Canyon;-feet-view;--People-travel-vacations-relaxation-concept-1159370091\_Compressed](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Personal-perspective-of-couple-relaxing-on-top-of-Grand-Canyon%3B-feet-view%3B--People-travel-vacations-relaxation-concept-1159370091_Compressed.jpeg?width=1253&name=Personal-perspective-of-couple-relaxing-on-top-of-Grand-Canyon%3B-feet-view%3B--People-travel-vacations-relaxation-concept-1159370091_Compressed.jpeg)Are Expectations Good for a Relationship?

Let's first clarify the terminology.

The dictionary says that expectation is the act of looking forward to or anticipating; the degree of probability that something will occur. Naturally, we anticipate what's coming in life.

However, change is also inevitable.

The change can be as simple as your partner's "expected" arrival time home after work. There may be a high probability that your partner gets home by 6 p.m. Still, many things can prevent that outcome, such as road construction, heavy traffic, or a longer-than-anticipated conversation with a co-worker.

For instance, I texted my husband on Friday that I was leaving the office to come home. Right after I texted, I received an important phone call from a client that delayed my departure. Oh... and then, I also decided to swing into Albertsons to pick up a few grocery items since I was driving right by.

At any given moment, things can dramatically change.

Change is the only constant.

So, how can couples successfully navigate relationship ups and downs while holding tight to the values of love, respect, and kindness?

## Tips for Healthy Expectations in a Relationship

### ![How to let go of expectations: Tip 1](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HRT_Blog_BulletHearts_Template_2023_FINAL_Green.jpg?width=65&height=65&name=HRT_Blog_BulletHearts_Template_2023_FINAL_Green.jpg)Expectations are different from plans.

We can make plans, but they need to have some breathing room and flexibility built into them.

If the pandemic taught us anything, it was to loosen our grip on expectations. When we go shopping now, we can no longer anticipate getting exactly what we want because store items being out of stock. For example, I've purchased three different brands of foaming hand soap from Target due to empty shelves of my favorite.

Your partner may be out of stock in patience.

Or your partner can be so exhausted that their shelves are also bare.

We can't expect what they do not have to give.

![An exhausted man sleeping on his wife's lap as she works on her computer. Let go of expectations and find ways to be close.](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Somebody-is-sleeping-while-someone-is-working-1359985592_Compressed.jpeg?width=1254&name=Somebody-is-sleeping-while-someone-is-working-1359985592_Compressed.jpeg)

### ![How to let go of expectations: Tip 2](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HRT_Blog_BulletHearts_Template_2023_FINAL_Green2.jpg?width=65&height=65&name=HRT_Blog_BulletHearts_Template_2023_FINAL_Green2.jpg)Change is inevitable; disappointment is avoidable.

*How we respond to our partner's behavior or experiences is up to us!*

Reality might bite, but most of the pain and angst comes from reality contrasting a picture-perfect ideal we've built up in our minds. Although my preference for Method foaming hand soap was interrupted; I actually liked two of the new brands I bought far better.

Learn to adjust.

Build [resiliency](https://blog.heartmanity.com/3-ways-to-bounce-back-from-lifes-hardships-and-be-more-resilient) into your daily fitness plan!

Cut your partner some slack and understand that many circumstances can interrupt their best intentions and efforts.

|  | **Related reading:** "[Keys to Healthy Love and a Happy Relationship](https://blog.heartmanity.com/keys-to-healthy-love-and-a-happy-relationship)." |
| --- | --- |

Yet, it's a bit of a conundrum because it's also true that we need to have certain expectations (or I prefer the word standards) in a relationship. Every relationship should have [mutual respect](https://blog.heartmanity.com/are-you-tolerating-disrespect-in-your-relationships).

Respect is the well-oiled hinge of every healthy relationship.

### ![How to let go of expectations: Tip 3](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HRT_Blog_BulletHearts_Template_2023_FINAL_Green3.jpg?width=65&height=65&name=HRT_Blog_BulletHearts_Template_2023_FINAL_Green3.jpg)Don't let the perfect be the enemy of good.

As an admitted perfectionist of longstanding who lives with a wonderful man who is a bit messy, I've trained myself to keep my focus on his tremendous love and support.

I love order, and organizing is a favorite pastime. For travel, I have a ready-to-go, fully-stocked toiletry bag along with my favorite snacks in my suitcase at all times. My pantry has labeled Tupperware containers, and I have a ledger of what I borrow and lend and a log of what greetings cards I send to who.

At the office, I can find any file in under 6 seconds. I track expenses down to the penny and make the IRS seem nonchalant. (Imagine living with me!)

The real reason I am so meticulous—besides genuinely enjoying checklists and label-makers—is because the more streamlined the extraneous things are, the easier it is to adapt to the unexpected. And a proficient system leaves more time for enjoying the people I love!

However, early in my marriage, my high "expectations" were obstacles to a happy marriage. Perfectionism in a relationship just doesn't work—and I learned the hard way not to sweat the small stuff.

![A man cleaning and shining up the kitchen.](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Handsome-Young-Man-Cleaning-a-Kitchen-Counter-with-a-Mop-1297236827_Compressed.jpeg?width=1254&name=Handsome-Young-Man-Cleaning-a-Kitchen-Counter-with-a-Mop-1297236827_Compressed.jpeg)Picture this: My husband had spent an hour cleaning up after dinner, washing dishes, and scrubbing the entire kitchen, including the floors. Mrs. Perfectionist (me!) asked him why he *never* emptied the food scraps in the sink drain.

My husband retorted, "I cleaned the entire kitchen and that's what you have to say?!"

He had a great point.

Where was my gratitude? Flushed down the garbage disposal and pulverized by the expectations of perfectionism!

John Gottman, Ph.D., echoes my experience in "[The Truth About Expectations in Relationships](https://www.gottman.com/blog/truth-expectations-relationships/)" when he states:

> "I encourage couples to strive for the 'good enough' relationship.... In a good enough relationship, people have high expectations for how they’re treated. They expect to be treated with kindness, love, affection, and respect. They do not tolerate emotional or physical abuse. They expect their partner to be loyal. This does not mean they expect their relationship to be free of conflict."

Go BIG on the important stuff and "good enough" on the small stuff.

Convert expectations (a clean drain) to appreciation (gratitude for a clean kitchen). Transform conflict to understanding by seeking to understand rather than assume anything.

### ![Couple laughing while using digital tablet.](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Couple-having-fun-using-digital-tablet-1146568662_Compressed.jpeg?width=1253&name=Couple-having-fun-using-digital-tablet-1146568662_Compressed.jpeg)![How to let go of expectations: Tip 4](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HRT_Blog_BulletHearts_Template_2023_FINAL_Green4.jpg?width=65&height=65&name=HRT_Blog_BulletHearts_Template_2023_FINAL_Green4.jpg)You can't control circumstances, but you can shift your attitude and be alert to new opportunities.

If we're not stuck by insisting on getting what we think we want, it opens up the space for creating something even better.

A woman I mentored years ago had a very elaborate idea of her ideal relationship. However, she forgot to match her ideal with her partner's—and theirs looked entirely different. Until she shared her dream and they were on the same page, every day was a disappointment for her.

Communication bridges the gap between reality and expectations.

When two people are in a relationship together, it's no longer just about one person's desires and dreams. The ME needs to unfold into a WE. This loving acceptance doesn't mean [compromising](https://blog.heartmanity.com/create-a-successful-marriage-dont-compromise) or giving up what we want; we simply get creative at finding win-win solutions. We strive to cultivate experiences and outcomes that fulfill us both.

Learn to [manage your relationship expectations](https://hellorelish.com/articles/how-to-manage-expectations-in-a-relationship.html) and look for opportunities to love your partner while also meeting your needs in the relationship. Despite the frustration of unexpected changes, differing personalities, and contrasting preferences, a romantic relationship is made to be loved and lived!

Embracing our human imperfections lets us flow between acceptance and expectations while we still envision the best.

**The connection and joy in the present are vastly more valuable than hanging onto the loss of what we imagined but didn't happen.** In the end, embracing reality and being present with "what is," instead of what you expected will be worth it.  
 

|  | **Related reading:** "[3 Mindful Ways to Communicate Better in a Relationship](https://blog.heartmanity.com/3-mindful-ways-to-communicate-better-in-a-relationship)." |
| --- | --- |

**For more great blogs and to learn more about how to build awareness and conscious relationships, sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss out!**

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**![Jennifer A. Williams / Heartmanity Founder](https://blog.heartmanity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jennifer%20Williams022.jpg?width=225&name=Jennifer%20Williams022.jpg)[Jennifer A. Williams / Heartmanity Founder](https://blog.heartmanity.com/author/jennifer-a-williams-heartmanity-founder)**  
Jennifer, as the Heartmanity Founder, has coached couples for over two decades. With her extensive experience and vast knowledge of emotional intelligence and brain science, Jennifer provides profound insights. She specializes in communication and teaches EQ skills needed to create healthy relationships. Jennifer is happily married and the mother of three grown children who are incredible human beings.

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 Posted in [Love, Marriage, and Relationships](https://blog.heartmanity.com/topic/love-marriage-and-relationships)

© Heartmanity 2026

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