The nobleman proposes to his girlfriend. She is thrilled. He tells her of his dreams about their wedding. She is even more thrilled. He would like to have children with her, and she would like to have children with him. He gives her a ring that is more beautiful than she had ever imagined.
"Once upon a time, there was a man who articulated his expectations."
The notion of expectations
Expectation – a (conscious) image of some future event or development; what one expects of something or someone.
In any relationship, and particularly in a loving and sexual relationship, it is essential to clarify mutual expectations in order to build a good foundation for a successful relationship. Above all, that requires both parties to have – or develop – a conscious notion of what expectations, desires and needs have to be fulfilled, and how. This requires the ability to sense oneself and to be able to articulate it, both to oneself and to others. That takes contactful and empathetic communication to avoid shattering the romantic mood or the interaction.