Unrealistic Expectations In Marriage

Phantoms are an unattainable standard by which we measure our performances, abilities, looks and characters, and they can derail marriages.

During World War II the American forces in France had a phantom military outfit -- a group called the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops.

With careful staging and show-business theatrics, they impersonated real troops and created an illusion of military strength to strategically fool the Germans.

To mask the true location of their real troops, for example, they created fake tanks and other equipment that looked real from the air.

Battling Imaginary Phantoms

Many husbands and wives have such phantoms lurking in their minds -- unreal mental images that they think they need to battle.

No one else can see the phantoms except the individuals who conjure them up, but they seem real nevertheless.

Phantoms are an unattainable standard by which we measure our performances, abilities, looks and characters.

While there's nothing wrong with having a goal to aim for, a phantom by definition is an illusion, an apparition or a resemblance of reality.

Within your mind you have a picture of how you should act as a husband or wife, father or mother. And chances are this image is so perfect, so idyllic, that it is completely unattainable.

Yet, every day you judge your performance by this phantom! And since you cannot match those standards, your self-esteem suffers.

Struggling Daily with Phantoms

The more distant your phantoms are from reality, the more frustrating it is to live in their shadows -- and the more confusing it can be for the spouse who can't see the apparition and is left wondering why his or her mate seems dissatisfied and unhappy. Phantoms can derail marriages.

My wife, Barbara, sat down one day and described her phantom -- what she felt she was expected to be as a wife and mother. Here is a portion of what she wrote:

• She is always loving, patient, understanding and kind.
• She is well-organized, with a perfect balance being disciplined and flexible.
• Her house is always neat and well-decorated, and her children obey the first time, every time.
• She is serious yet lighthearted, submissive but passive. She is energetic and never tired.
• She looks fresh and attractive at all times, whether in jeans and a sweater digging in the garden or in a silk dress and heels going to dinner.
• She never gets sick, lonely or discouraged.
• She walks with God daily, prays regularly, studies the Bible diligently, and is not fearful or inhibited about telling others about her faith.
• She "prays without ceasing." She prays over flat tires, lost keys and lost teddy bears.
• She "gives thanks" when her husband is late for dinner.

Remember that phantoms are illusions. Only we don't recognize them as such.

Again, having such goals may spur you to doing better and being better.

But when they become illusory expectations, you become insecure and wonder if your mate accepts "the real you." You may feel like a loser when your mate may actually consider you a winner.

My own phantom is just as lofty and unattainable as Barbara's:

• He rises early, reads the Bible and prays, then jogs several seven-minute miles.
• After breakfast with his family, he presents a 15-minute devotional.
• Never forgetting to hug and kiss his wife goodbye, he arrives at work 10 minutes early.
• He is consistently patient with co-workers, always content with his job.
• His desk is never cluttered, and he is confidently in control.
• He arrives home on time every day and never turns down his kids when they want to play.
• He is well-read in world events, politics and important social issues.
• He never gets discouraged, never wants to quit and always has the right words for any circumstances.
• He constantly plans romantic outings for his wife and himself.
• He can quote large sections of Scripture in a single bound, has faith more powerful than a locomotive, and is faster than a speeding bullet when solving family conflicts.

Ultimately these phantoms put us under a crushing pile of guilt. And here's where the marriage relationship can really help. Sit down with your mate and spend some time describing your own phantoms.

Ask your mate where these expectations came from. Talk about which of these expectations are realistic and which are not. Slay the phantoms that lurk within.

How to slay the Phantom

Do you have unrealistic expectations of yourself?

Are you aware of your mate having such a "phantom"?

What's the difference between healthy goals for personal growth and an illusion or unattainable self-image?

Sit down and write out your personal version of the "phantom." Share this with your spouse.

Now make up a new list of goals for yourself. Make them realistic and attainable, then evaluate them with your mate.