Examples of expectancy violations in relationships often occur in popular Disney movies. A perfect example of a relationship full of expectancy violations is that of The Little Mermaid's Ariel and Prince Eric.
When Prince Eric first met Ariel, she already violated several of his expectations.
Expectation 1: People, especially attractive women, wear clean normal clothes.
Ariel is dressed in this. This violation doesn't seem to bother him.
Expectation 2: I will introduce myself and she will return the favor so that I know her name.
Ariel cannot speak. Eric is still interested in learning more about this mysterious girl.
Expectation 3: This girl will not invade my personal space the first time I meet her.
Ariel doesn't follow this expectation, however, even after all these violations, Prince Eric still invites her to his castle.
Expectation 4: If I invite her back to the castle for dinner, she will have table manners and know how to act like a lady.
Ariel combs her hair with a fork, and blows soot and smoke into another table guest's face. Clearly she has violated the table manners Prince Eric expected. This violation proved to be positive rather than negative for Ariel.
Ariel violated many of Prince Eric's expectations. But, the violations seemed to have a positive valence, or positive effect, for Prince Eric. He found her to be mysterious and charming rather than rude and weird. Prince Eric and Ariel lived happily ever after even though she did not follow the expectations he had for meeting her. So, if your initial meeting with someone doesn't follow all of your expectations, don't write the relationship off. There may still be hope for a happily ever after.
Melissa Stallbaumer
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