The Weight of Expectations: Breaking Free from What No Longer Serves You | YKMS

Episode Overview 

Have you ever felt like certain people expect more from you than they do from others? Maybe your family still sees you as the one who always shows up, or your friends assume you’ll always make the effort, even when life has changed. In this episode, we unpack the hidden weight of expectations—where they come from, how they get reinforced, and why it’s so difficult to shift them.

We also explore how expectations play out in different areas of life—family, friendships, work, parenting—and why resetting them is so crucial for our well-being. Whether it's learning to say no, setting boundaries, or simply letting go of the pressure to be everything for everyone, this episode will help you reflect on where expectations may be holding you back.

Key Discussion Points:

• Where expectations come from – Why certain people expect more from us than others.
• The role we’ve played in shaping expectations – Have we unknowingly reinforced them?
• Family dynamics – How old roles keep us stuck and why change is hard.
• Friendship & work expectations – How to reset them when life shifts.
• Parenting & expectations – Teaching kids about boundaries while checking our own pressures on them.
• Societal expectations on women – The pressure to be everything and how to let go of what doesn’t serve us.
• Practical ways to reset expectations – Communicating boundaries and updating the version of ourselves others see.

Listener Takeaways:

• Reflect on the expectations in your life—are they fair, and do they still serve you?
• Identify whether you’ve unknowingly reinforced expectations that no longer work for you.
• Learn to communicate shifts in your availability, priorities, or needs.
• Recognize when people are simply taking advantage and how to set firmer boundaries.
• Understand that letting go of outdated expectations isn’t about making others happy—it’s about honoring your own needs.

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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

Editor: Allia Lenit Galos

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Disclaimer:

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed ther