Disappointed, not pissed

After a recent experience I was clearly not pleased with, a friend of mine asked if I was pissed. “I was disappointed”, I responded. And I think there is a big difference.

I was disappointed because I was expecting better. But as I sat in the experience that was everything but what I imagined, I wasn’t hurt. I was calmly surprised they didn’t do better—but I also accepted that they were probably doing their best. It just wasn’t good enough (for me).

But why would I be pissed at people who were doing their best?

The Stoics would say to hold no expectations at all, especially of others, so you’re never disappointed in the first place, but I think where I am getting to on that journey is: “yes I am disappointed with this experience, but I am not pissed at you.”