I expected to never experience love (agape - unconditional) ever in my life. What I expected was to be a martyr and I accepted this lot because I didn't know that things could be any other way. It took courage, faith (SPIRITUAL, not religious), and trust and I had to work hard to develop those values.
Nothing in life is simple or easy. It comes down to inner peace i think and finding that is a lifelong journey. For me, anyway.