We all have them. Even when we think there's no point. And even when we'd rather not. But that's probably hope. At least in part.

The moment a dating relationship begins, they exist. The expectations. Whatever they may be. And that doesn't mean they are always great ones.

They may just be that the date will be no more than a drink or coffee, and that'll be the end. You may expect you will wind up liking him only as a friend. Perhaps you'll expect it'll go no place because while you are very attracted, you don't have much in common. Or maybe there's so much in common, you'll expect your attraction to grow because you do!

Yet whatever your expectations, do expect there's a whole other set on his end. Having them meet is most important. Especially as time goes on. Because consistency, familiarity, and sex... if you get that far, will certainly bring forth a new set of expectations.

I'm not great at cultivating lasting romantic relationships. I wonder if this is because my expectations are off, or maybe just off with the guy's. But, perhaps, it's because they aren't. Perhaps we are both in sync. Perhaps, from the get-go, the unspoken expectation is that while it may be nice or fun or scintillating for awhile, it is obvious from the beginning - for whatever the reasons within that liason - it is limited. That as a lasting relationship, it doesn't have legs.

In terms of something mutual and something real, most relationships don't have legs. In fact, in dating when it comes right down to where its all going, most of the time you expect that it's really going nowhere.

So when the writing's on the wall... or texted on your cell, why is it still disappointing? I mean, it's not like you didn't expect it.