We have to let go of all our illusions, including our illusions about what life is "supposed" to be like.
expectation is just another word for desire. I think that these days we are encouraged to be emotionally weak and mentally thoughtless. Rather than an examined life we lead directed ones where we are told how it all ought to be, even though impossible. It is a control mechanism that can be triggered in myriad ways.
Yes, it is definitely a key aspect of how what I call "cultural forces fighting culture wars" for control over our collective reality seek to move us as pawns in their game plan. Keeping us overwhelmed, off balance and insecure is a very effective part of their strategy. That's why I think that happiness in the presence of productive creativity is the most revolutionary act of defiance.