To surprise or not to surprise, that is the question. This actually has become one of the ongoing questions in our marriage. My sweetie loves to plan surprises for me. He likes to start planning a surprise weeks ahead of time and then tease me with the knowledge that there is a surprise without giving me any of the details. He takes GREAT joy in this.
I, on the other hand, am not a surprise kind of person. I don’t like to surprise or to be surprised. That would be my controlling, worrying nature popping up in full force. If I were to try to surprise someone else, I would worry that they would not be available, or that I would be interrupting something more important, or that they would not like surprises (like me), or some other random worry.
I do, however, love the effort that my sweetie puts into planning surprises for me. And he orchestrates very good surprises. The surprises are not disappointing. All in all, I know I should just relax and go with the flow. I trust my sweetie, so what’s the big deal.
But, then again, how do I know what to wear: sweater or t-shirt? jacket or not? shoes or heels? full make-up or no make-up at all? Should I pack snacks and games for the kids? Should I prepare for an all-day in the sun kind of surprise or an enjoy-the-sights-from-the-comfort-of-the-car kind of trip.
See? There lies the problem. I overanalyze. Then I start to pester with questions. Then my sweetie gets annoyed that his wonderful surprise is being picked apart by his over-anxious wife.
And then I sweetly smile and remind him, ”But I’ve already told you, I don’t like surprises!”
