Perhaps the reason we are unable to love is that we yearn to be loved, that is, we demand something (love) from our partner instead of delivering ourselves up to him demand-free and asking for nothing but his company.

Milan Kundera
About This Quote

This quote sums up the issue of expectation in relationships. When we set standards for ourselves and our partners, we will inevitably be disappointed. A great example of this is when someone is in a relationship with another person who has outsized expectations. Their partner will only be able to meet these expectations if they are willing to give up some of their own personal dreams and desires. There is nothing wrong with having high standards for your relationship, but if the person who is on the other side of those standards is unwilling to compromise or adjust them slightly, then there can be no happy ending.

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