How to Deal With Letdowns

Letdowns are never pleasant. They can be especially painful if you're disappointed by someone you care about. Nevertheless, it's important to know that, while you can't necessarily avoid letdowns, you can control how you respond to them. With some time and patience, you can lessen the impact of your disappointment on your life and move forward in a constructive and positive way.

Instructions

• 1

  Accept and express your feelings. Whatever you feel about the letdown -- sadness, anger or anything else -- it's imperative that you vent these emotions. Suppressing or ignoring them will only add to the problem in the long run.

• 2

  Remember that letdowns happen to everyone. They are an uncomfortable part of life, but they are inevitable, and it's unrealistic to expect otherwise. Accepting this notion of inevitability may help you deal with your disappointment better.

• 3

  Avoid placing the blame completely on yourself or on others. Very rarely is anything ever one-sided. Even if someone or something doesn't meet your expectations, realize that your expectations are your responsibility. Disappointment occurs when reality doesn't meet your expectations; with that in mind, consider the possibility that your expectations need to be adjusted to match reality, and not the other way around.

• 4

  See what you can learn or gain from the letdown. Ask yourself if there are any changes you can make to prevent this disappointment in the future. Also be aware that there may be nothing you can do.

• 5

  Accept the situation for what it is and move forward. This may take some time, but it's important for you to move past the letdown and avoid getting stuck in self-pity or bitterness.