In the USA and places with related cultures, the dominant paradigm (conception or view) of the human being is a negative one.  It was imposed and is sustained.  As a result of its ongoing influence, both expectations and hopes of humans, in general, are low.  While accepted etiquette prevents much direct and malicious disrespect, forms of What did you expect? and They'll change only at the last minute, or later! and You've got to…

this is copied & pasted from the Transition in Action site (I commend it to you all):

"The like-mindedness we need most, that will encourage and build enduring relationships among people who haven't gotten together before, is along the lines of 'OMG, all our eggs are in one basket!' That's overlooked, not uncertain or controversial. The like-mindedness associated with positions in…