Disappointment has a release valve. It is soaked in a belief that prevents us from sharing, and is managed by the downplay of our hopes and expectations.

The release valve hedges itself against potential disappointment by reminding us that we should “Not get our hopes up” or that “It may not work out.” And it sometimes embodies the nonchalant attitude that “Really, it’s not a big deal.”

If we don’t share the potentially good news, who will be there to support us when the news is potentially disappointing? And where do lowered expectations go to get raised?

We can spend our lives trying to avoid disappointment, or we can live our lives thankful that we care enough, to potentially be disappointed.