Expectations vs. reality

Parents Forum Parent Cafe
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Interesting question.

I thought that our country and the world would be moving to a place in which governments worked to make their countries and the world a better place with reduced poverty and greater equality and that globalization would create greater unity, less international conflict, and that a rising tide would lift all boats. Instead, we are in a world of much greater fractiousness and divisiveness within countries and the global order seems to be bifurcating (at the least).

I never thought there would be a serious risk in the US to the transition of power post-election. Yet, here we are.

I didn’t realize climate change would even be a possibility.

Personally, I think I assumed I would have a life like my parents but in a way that matched me. Stable marriage, kids, pursuing a career that would challenge me. I thought I might leave academia and did, but didn’t realize that I’d do so as in financial positions and then as a consultant hopscotching the globe. That put more strain on ShawWife, who had to slow down her career when the kids were younger. I have tried to be very supportive in later years to help her accelerate.

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I used to think a George Forman grill, a kegerator and a mini dorm fridge could serve as a kitchen. Time and my wife have corrected this error in expectations.

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43

When I was a kid I coveted what I didn’t have – a two story house with stairs, a dog, a pool and a piano. Now I have/had all of those and look forward to not having them, LOL…

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I thought that the 2000s would mean I would have an easier life than my parents and that my kids would have it easier than me. It absolutely does not seem like the world is going in that direction.

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45

I thought everyone was responsible with money. That’s probably enough said?

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46

Not serious, but avocados. Always imagine the great meal I’m going to have, but seem to almost never get the ripeness at the right stage😢

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Hey, I happened to have an avocado today that was just perfect. It was such a pleasant surprise, especially after the one I had last month that I finally decided to throw out it was so hard…never ripened right.

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48

Wrap in in two paper bags, not 1. At least that’s what works for us.

Expectations: write about deep philosophical truths.

Reality: give advice about avocados.

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49

I thought that when I was younger, too. There is so much we have no control over. I have learned to be flexible and pragmatic.

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50

Abasket, That was me when DD was 17……19 years ago!

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51

Hahaha! Proud member of the crowd since 2007. Yikes! Ultimate “hotel California”? :laughing:

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Me too, @anxiousmom! I think we joined around the same time.

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53

I mean, it’s getting embarrassing, yet here I am.

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54

We are here for the grandkids @garland ! Wink. Lol.

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55

Expectations: as soon as the plane lands, it will taxi to the gate and park.

Reality: there is always another aircraft parked at the designated gate and is in no hurry to pull out.

(Our pilot recommended making faces at Southwest hogging our gate. :laughing: To keep us from unleashing our negative emotions at Alaska! )

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56

More seriously- thought agreeing to be bachelor uncle’s PR would mean helping with some bills when he was in his eighties and accompanying him to his favorite auctions and antique places. Realities - dementia in 70s, emergency move during Covid and physical limitations that mean even getting him to Dr appts is huge undertaking. Stress😢

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I expected that Social Security would no longer exist by the time I was old enough to collect. The reality is that $$ is deposited into my bank account the second Wednesday of every month. I’m still kind of surprised every second Wednesday.

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