5 Ways to Avoid Disappointment on Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honor the incredible women in our lives, but sometimes expectations don’t align with reality, leading to disappointment. Here are five strategies to ensure a fulfilling and joyful Mother’s Day celebration:

1. Communicate Expectations: Clearly communicate your expectations with your loved ones. Be as specific as possible. People aren’t mind readers, and when we assume they are, this is when we can feel disappointed. Whether it’s a simple breakfast in bed, flowers, or a day of pampering, let them know what would make you feel appreciated and cherished.

2. Practice Acceptance: Sometimes you may need to be the one to plan ahead and take charge of your Mother’s Day by planning activities or outings that you’ll enjoy. This may feel frustrating, that you have to take on the mental load of planning, even on a day that’s meant to be about you. Validate your own frustration, and then practice acceptance. Sometimes you do have to take charge of your own needs and wants, and you can’t rely on others. We may not like this, but we may have to accept it if we’d like to experience fulfillment and joy.

3. Manage Your Expectations: It’s important to remember that Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be perfect or anything grand. Embrace the imperfections and focus on the time spent with loved ones rather than the material aspects of the day. Notice the glimmers and the small moments you can cherish.

4. Celebrate Yourself: Don’t wait for others to make you feel special. Treat yourself to something you love, whether it’s a spa day, a new book, or simply some alone time to relax and recharge. Make sure you communicate these plans ahead of time, so that everyone is on the same page.

5. Acknowledge Your Feelings: If you do end up feeling disappointed, you can communicate this to your partner using “I” statements, rather than blaming statements. Ex: “I’m feeling let down that I’m cleaning the house on my day” instead of “no one does anything around here”.

Written by Alina Rokhman & Jessica Foglia