Are You Managing Expectations In Your Relationships?

Recently I found myself in a really interesting conversation with a longtime friend about relationships, dating to be more specific.  My friend was sharing with me that he had just started dating a new girl at the beginning of January and was excited about the chemistry they had at such an early stage in the relationship.
As the conversation continued I learned that my friend and his new girlfriend, yes titles are already in full swing four weeks into it, are moving rather quickly in their relationship and the conversations about future events and experiences are permeating their every moment.  My friend, let’s call him Nacho, further shares that “things are escalating quickly”.
Nacho confides in me that he’s in a bit of a tight situation as he’s only been dating his new girlfriend for about a month and Valentine’s Day is coming up in less than a week and doesn’t know what he should do.  I had to laugh because I knew exactly where he was heading.  What should good ole Nacho, or any man for that matter, do in this situation as his decision on the upcoming event could make or break the future of this new budding relationship.  As we discussed further we concluded there were three main options to choose from:

1. Nacho could do nothing at all (chivalry wouldn’t certainly be dead here)
2. He could do something small and thoughtful which signifies he’s thinking of her and recognizes the importance of the day
3. Nacho could blow her away with a high end weekend getaway, luxury hotels, showering her with gifts, swanky dinners, you name it

Before we move on let me first say two things about Nacho: he’s well off financially but chooses to live humbly; he enjoys doing things for others, but tends to be all thumbs when it comes to romance.
As we further discussed each option I shared with him a phrase I’m all too familiar with in the professional setting and in this particular case found it rather helpful.  “Nacho, what do you know about Managing Expectations?” I said.  He immediately shared with me that ‘Managing Expectations is when you’re realistic upfront in order to prevent disappointment on the back end.  Simply put – don’t over promise and under deliver.’ 
Bingo!  Nacho hit it spot on.
To find out which option Nacho picked and what the result was, click here.