#expectations

#expectations

Birthdays are usually depicted as happy celebrations with loved ones gathered, a cake, gifts, laughter, and, if it's a child's birthday, games and balloons. Even when resources are low, as they are for many people these days, something-no matter how minimal-is often done. If you look on social media, you see all the photos of these eventsl, with everyone smiling and close.

For the first time in a long time, I sat across from the highest ranking Toronto Raptors decision maker without hearing the words "We will win again in Toronto." There was no plea for confidence from the fanbase. No urgent reminders of the status of the city or franchise. Bobby Webster's media availability was, in my estimation, fairly emotionless and pragmatic.

As dusk settled in at Site 19 at Sardine Lake Campground, life was pretty blissful. Here we were tucked away in the stunning and slightly remote Lost Sierra. The tent was up, and I had a beer, a comfy camping chair and a pine tree to stare at. It was almost car camping heaven, except Site 18's gassy Honda generator would not shut up.

You've been together for a while now, and it feels right. Really right. The sleepovers have become more frequent, you've got a drawer at their place, and you find yourself daydreaming about Sunday mornings together without the rush to get home. The question keeps surfacing in those quiet moments: Should we move in together? It's exciting, isn't it? But also terrifying. Because while your heart might be saying "absolutely," there's this little voice wondering if you're truly ready for this next step.

Clear, transparent expectations minimize anxiety and novelty in altered states, grounding the experience.

The realization that my mother-in-law doesn’t owe me anything was freeing. It prompted me to let go of my expectations and appreciate her choices.

Mike Brown is not scared and is always up for the challenge. He has faced high-pressure situations, including the longest playoff drought in history with Sacramento.

For Cooper Flagg, finally hearing his name announced with the first pick—bound for the Dallas Mavericks—on Wednesday night provided a conclusion to a process that was set in stone for months... However, Flagg now faces significant expectations with a team aiming for a championship, which introduces its own challenges.

Perseverance is the difference between success and defeat. To persevere is to remain constant in a purpose, idea, or task in the face of obstacles and discouragement.

When we decided to repaint, I was touched when Freddie gallantly announced: I'll do it you just rest. But when I came back and expressed disappointment, he just handed me the brush and said: You're better at the fiddly bits.

When Apple removed the headphone jack from the iPhone 7 in 2016, the backlash was immediate and fierce. Tech reviewers called it 'user-hostile and stupid.' Customers created petitions. Competitors ran ads mocking the decision.

You need to pause and assess your reaction to this situation. Yes, you could be overreacting... it might not be so awful for her to hang out with a cool guy.

Dopamine rises in anticipation, not just reward—and the brain rebalances after a spike.

Lydia believes a true Mother's Day gift is thoughtful and meant just for her, rather than items for cooking, cleaning, or household maintenance.