"اگر از کسی چیزی انتظار نداشته باشید هرگز ناامید نمی‌شوید"

The essence of this quote is quite simple: if you don't have any expectations from others, you won't end up feeling let down. It's a straightforward thought with a lot of wisdom packed into it. Think about the times when you expected someone to show up or to do something for you, and they didn't. The disappointment stings, right? But if you hadn't expected anything in the first place, their actions wouldn't have had the power to upset you.

This idea traces back to some pretty old philosophies. The Stoics, for instance, believed in focusing on what you can control and letting go of what you can't. They'd probably nod in agreement with this sentiment. Historically, people have always struggled with expectations and disappointments—it's a human thing.

Let's dive into a more concrete example. Picture yourself at work. You’ve been working on a project and you need your colleague to finish their part so you can proceed. You expect them to have it done by the deadline, but they don’t. Naturally, you’re frustrated because you were counting on them. Now, imagine if you hadn't expected them to have it done on time. Maybe you had a backup plan or you just mentally prepared for the possibility. When they fail to deliver, it’s not a surprise, and you can keep moving forward, unruffled.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start small. Maybe you always expect your roommate to wash the dishes, and it bugs you when they don’t. Instead, try not expecting them to do it. If they do, great—bonus. If not, you’re not disappointed. It might sound a bit pessimistic, but it’s actually quite freeing. You’re taking control of your own emotional responses.

Let's bring in a story to make this clearer. Imagine you have a friend, let’s call him Jake. Jake is notorious for canceling plans last minute. Every time you make plans with Jake, you get excited, only to be let down when he cancels. One day, you decide to change your approach. You still make plans with Jake, but you don't hold any expectations. You even make a backup plan with another friend or decide you'll enjoy a solo outing if Jake cancels. When Jake inevitably cancels, you’re not upset—you had a plan B ready to go. You enjoy yourself regardless and realize you didn’t lose any emotional energy on disappointment.

This approach doesn't mean you stop caring or become a pessimist. It’s about protecting your peace. Lowering your expectations can sometimes feel like lowering your standards, but it’s more about managing what you can control—your own feelings and reactions.

So next time, try it out. Whether it's an unreliable friend or a colleague, keep your expectations in check. You might just find that you’re a lot less disappointed and a lot more content. It’s a shift in mindset: expecting less from others and more from yourself. It’s a way to reclaim your calm in a world full of uncertainties and unreliable plans.