Today, I want to address a significant pain point for many women in the sandwich generation: managing expectations of others.
Recently, I received an email from a woman who posed this question: Is it fair to expect to be treated the way I treat others?
As someone who balances caring for kids and aging loved ones, this woman pours her time, energy, and support into those she cares about because she genuinely cares. Yet, she often feels like the world just takes and takes without giving anything back. Can you relate?
She also questioned, If I ask for something—whether it’s help, understanding, or just a little kindness—do I have a right to feel upset if that request is ignored?
It’s completely natural to feel that way. We all want our needs acknowledged.
Her next concern was, Should I stop giving to those who don’t reciprocate what I give? On one hand, she wants to be generous and kind—that’s part of her identity. On the other hand, it feels draining when her efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated. Does this sound familiar?
She expressed a desire to remain true to herself but also doesn’t want to feel taken advantage of. So, how do we find that balance?
Here are a few strategies to consider:
- Communicate Clearly: If you have a need, express it. Sometimes people don’t realize what we want or need until we say it. We teach others how we wish to be treated—and sometimes we need to retrain them.
- Set Healthy Boundaries: It’s okay to protect your energy. If someone consistently takes but never gives, it might be time to reassess that relationship.
- Practice Self-Compassion: It’s okay to feel upset. Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself grace.
- Focus on What You Can Control: You can’t change others, but you can change how you respond.
I believe in kindness and generosity, but it’s equally essential to take care of ourselves, especially as caregivers. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone.
To help you navigate these challenges, I’ve created a journal filled with prompts for peace of mind. If you’d like to explore these topics further and find some clarity, visit coach-wendy.com/journal to download your copy!
Thank you for reading! How do you manage your expectations of others? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Take care, and see you in the next post!
In love & light,
