expectations

do a  good deed
get thanked?
let someone in
get a polite wave
or a nod?
help a person or people
expect gratitude?

all these are expectation
because you think them does not mean others do

clean up after a party
get thanked?
help set up for a conference
get a smile or pat on the back?
stay behind at work so others can leave for their kids
get a box of chocolates or some gratuity?
sit in for someone who's ill
get a gold star or worker of the week award?

They're still expectation from you
it's all a concept in your head

Have a party
no one shows
celebrate an event
and they have organised something else to do
send emails and attachments
and get no replies

definitely expectations
and they are all your's

there is a book that says, ' do unto others as you would have done unto yourself.'
I am not sure they have read that
there is a wise man who said, 'help others and if not, then do not harm them.'
somehow i think that one has been confused

use the word unconditional
it means there are no strings to these actions or words or deeds
there are no expectations
then you will have less and less disappointments
it's not easy, yet it is easier than setting yourself up on a tall stool
waiting for you to push yourself off