Last Updated on February 14, 2023 by Christin
People in relationships often have unrealistic expectations of their partner which can lead to disappointment and frustration. Unrealistic expectations can be based on romantic ideals, previous relationships, or personal insecurities. If you find yourself constantly disappointed in your partner, it may be time to reassess your expectations. To help you do this, here are 10 affirmations for managing unrealistic expectations in romantic relationships.
1. I Will Remember That My Partner Is Human And Not Perfect
To be human is to be imperfect. You are not perfect, your friends are not perfect, your family is not perfect, and your partner is not perfect. So stop expecting them to be.
When you stop requiring that your partner be perfect, you will find that they are a lot more fun to be around.
2. I Will Communicate My Needs To My Partner Openly And Honestly
If you expect your partner to know what you are thinking, you have unrealistic expectations.
Your partner cannot read your mind, so it is important that you communicate your needs to them directly. This way, they can better understand what it is you are looking for in the relationship and can make an effort to meet those needs.
3. I Will Give My Partner The Benefit Of The Doubt
Expecting your partner to live up to your expectations can cause you to mistrust them as you get upset with them.
When you find yourself getting upset with your partner, try to give them the benefit of the doubt. It is possible that they did not mean to hurt you, that you misunderstood something, or that they are dealing with their own issues.
4. I Will Not Try To Change My Partner
Expecting your partner to be someone they are not is an unrealistic expectation that many people have, and also one of the most damaging expectations.
Trying to change your partner is a sure-fire way to create conflict in the relationship. Accept them for who they are and love them unconditionally.
5. I Will Be Patient With My Partner
Don’t expect your partner to be amazing all the time. Sometimes they require your patience because they are stumbling, lagging, or just not feeling up to par.
Patience is key in any relationship. Just as you have flaws, so does your partner. Give them time to grow and develop just as you would like them to do for you.
6. I Will Not Keep Score In The Relationship
This unrealistic expectation leads back to perfection and change. When you want them to do just as much as you do in the relationship, you can start keeping score, and that’s when problems happen.
You should not keep track of who did what and who owes who in the relationship. This will only create resentment and lead to arguments.
7. I Will Not Play Games With My Partner
Do not expect your partner to understand and win the games you are playing with them.
Games are for children, not adults in relationships. If you want something from your partner, just ask them directly. Games only serve to create distance and mistrust.
8. I Will Respect My Partnerโs Wishes
Do not expect your partner to live by your wishes. These are the types of unrealistic expectations that will harm your relationship.
If your partner has said they do not want to do something, then respect their wishes. Forcing them to do something they do not want to do will only lead to resentment.
9. I Will Forgive My Partner When They Make Mistakes
Expecting your partner to not make mistakes is like expecting a fish to walk on land. It’s not going to happen. It’s one of those unrealistic expectations that will kill your relationship.
Your partner is going to make mistakes. What is important is that they learn from those mistakes and do not repeat them.
10. I Will Cherish My Partnerโs Good Qualities And Look Past Their Flaws
Expecting your partner not to have flaws is also unrealistic and will hurt your relationship.
Chances are you saw their flaws when you started dating them and overlooked them, but as time went on, you start to expect them to not have those flaws anymore. That’s unrealistic. That’s unreasonable! And it’s going to hurt your relationship if you are not able to look past their flaws.
