Great Expectations

In my relatively short span on this earth, I have discovered a few things about expectations. First, you cannot always hold the same expectations for others that you hold for yourself. Second, expectations must sometimes be altered given another's point in life. Third, expectations should never define a relationship of any kind. As a general rule, I have extremely (sometimes exorbitant) expectations of myself; in work, study, etc. However, I have learned that I cannot keep the same template for my friends and family. Tonight I realized that I have been holding ridiculously high expectations for someone who is just not equipped to meet them at his personal point in life. This friend is 5 yrs younger than I am. Granted, this is not a great span of time, but by the same token, I have learned a few life lessons that he has not yet encountered. For example...I know that if I ever needed anything, he would be there for me in a minute; but sometimes, the simple things escape him entirely. Its not always about the grand gesture, but sometimes just the little things, like doing something you say you are going to do. I am a person that, if I say I am going to do something, I do it. No questions asked (usually). I have learned that sometimes people are not always at the same point that you are. I have learned that sometimes it is prudent to be patient, and let others work their own shit out in their own time.