Some disappointments become preventable as soon as expectations become speakable.

Many disappointments are less about what happened than about what was silently expected. You thought they would call, help, offer or remember, and none of it was ever said aloud, so the other person carried on unaware of the test they were failing. Saying an expectation out loud does two things at once, letting them meet it and letting you learn early that they will not. Either result beats a slow, unexplained grievance.

Name one thing you have been quietly hoping for and say it plainly this week. Ask whether it is possible instead of waiting to find out.