So many scenarios went through my mind! Times that my expectations have not been met, but they were expectations that I had never spoken. The first rule of expectations: People are NOT mind readers! I'm well aware that people may not live up to your expectations even when they are spoken. Your son's bed will not be made every morning, no matter how many times you tell him. The dog's water bowl will be empty, the trash might start to smell... you get the idea! But there are some things we can do...
When I was closing in on my final weeks of training for the Honolulu Marathon, I started thinking about the finish line. I knew I would receive a medal, but I really thought it would be cool if Les was there with a lei. I thought about it several times and finally reminded myself, "he is not a mind reader." So I told him what I wanted! He, of course, did not disappoint! And he added an appointment for a wonderful massage... going beyond expectations!
We don't buy lots of gifts for birthdays, our anniversary, Valentine's Day or Christmas. It's fine. Spending time together is what really matters. One year from now we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary - hard to believe! We are already talking about what we want to do, where we want to go. Les and Lance have been talking for years about riding their bikes across America. It's on their bucket list. Lance had floated the idea of doing it in 2016. Les said, no can do - big anniversary that year. We talked about it and I said something like, "You know, I could probably say go ahead and do it, but I would end up with my feelings really hurt." Les had no plans of actually doing it next year, so maybe they'll do that bike ride in 2017.
Les was telling me about a trend for business lunches. When a group goes out, the first person to look at their cell phone picks up the bill. I love this idea! If you invite me out to lunch, I expect that you want to talk to me, not check your phone every 15 seconds. If you are expecting an important call, please say so and I'll understand. I think this would be a great idea any group going out - focus on the ones you are with, not those who couldn't make it.
Just sayin'...
