In my opinion, a time of “living in” the frustration, rather than trying to avoid it, or lowering one’s expectations can lend clarity to a frustrating situation/relationship. Counseling may be desired in order to assist in the endeavor and/or lend support as well as aid in necessary self-examination — Where do I need to take responsibility? What changes do I need to make? Is it even healthy for me to lower my expectations? And the end result may be that to LOWER one’s expectations may NOT be the healthiest decision. To work through the conflicts cooperatively (hopefully) or remove oneself from the situation/relationship, especially if there is an unwillingness/inability to work toward change may sometimes be a much better option.

Unfortunately, I think at times people would rather not “do the work” or take the “path of least resistance” in situations as well as with other people in the name of “peace”, political correctness or because it is less frustrating, or they are fearful– but then all involved may have lost something more valuable than what is gained by maintaining expectations and working cooperatively toward a higher goal, if there is a willingness of course.
I think this is an aspect of leadership at all levels of society (in business, in the home, in the community) that sometimes gets lost.