Again On Disappointment

I have already written about disappointment but, as it is an experience common to ALL, and as it is among the most devastating ones, I believe it is worth resuming the talk on the subject, for further reflection. Disappointment, more often than not, impacts our lives quite negatively.  And I am using the adjective “devastating” on purpose, although many may not agree on my choice of word because they think it to be an exaggeration. Well, it is not. It all depends (as usual!) on the point of view. Disappointment can be faced in different ways because human beings are different: a shrug or tears, resignation or rage. Any reaction towards it is always negative, in a way or another because it causes a psychological storm inside the body as well as the spirit. A letdown can really hurt and leave a permanent scar - that, possibly, will never be erased - in the memory and in the soul. Even those who show that they don’t care or that they have overcome it, will never forget it. Why is disappointment such a strong feeling? Because it has something in common with betrayal . You believe you have done all you had to do in order to get a certain result, you trusted, but the result did not materialize. Or, even if it materialized, it did not yield the outcome you expected. You feel that you don’t deserve such a treatment, that you have been dealt unfairly with. It might be that someone had promised you a favor, and you counted on it because you really wanted or needed it. But they did not keep their word. A friend offered to help you out in solving a problem (or simply to fix your car or your hair), but later he/she found excuses to withdraw or, even worse, they forgot all about it. Breaking a commitment made about agreeing to do something for another is a real betrayal. That’s why it is so upsetting and difficult to accept.