The element of surprise

Hey Sugar, I personally, don't quite like surprises. Maybe I'm just living in denial, but I always feel like I have the need to return the favor. Knowing me (and my ability to want to outdo...) I will stress myself up with coming up with something better and ridiculously fall into a state of despair if the returned favor was not appreciated or accepted gratefully.

But then again, sometimes you're just dying for a surprise from your loved one. Like little notes you leave for each other, surprise hugs and kisses, a different restaurant, getaways, massages etc. I used to do this, but when I hope for a returned favor and I see none coming, I get upset. So insincere of me in the first place isn't it?

Hehe.

Presents. I love presents. Giving and receiving. But of course, there are also unnecessary presents and sometimes, it's just ridiculous. I have the tendency to shop for unnecessary things myself and yet I'd tell them not to buy them! And it's usually unnerving for others when I make a fuss of how there is no need for such things yet I sometimes do it myself. It's so discouraging, right?

Hehe...

Today, I realized how much I was dying for a surprise. A surprise note, a surprise present, a surprise holiday. It's quite simple actually. We are simply the cause of the lost element of surprise there days. Just because of the fuss and the lack of tact to the other party, they sometimes don't know what to buy, or where to go. They want to surprise you, but they are just afraid of the rejection that comes after.

Weird how humans work, right?

I came across these 7 very interesting points to the elements of surprise. Enjoy!

Geoffrey Webb : The 7 elements of surprise
Want to help a customer or client feel appreciated? Seeking to recognize someone on your staff? Want to show your spouse how much you love them? There’s one thing exceptional leaders have up their sleeve to do all of these: They can pull off a good surprise.

I love springing a good surprise. Whether proposing to my wife, throwing a party for a coworker, or just making someone’s day, I try to work the following into all my suprises:

1. Listening. It all starts here. Always have your antennae out. People unwittingly drop hints all the time about what they want, need, or like. Store this information away. Also, gauge receptivity—would something small and private work best or would they prefer something more public?

2. Patience. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to act. Don’t give in or give up on a surprise just because it’s convenient. Bide your time. Generally, surprises are like wine, the longer you take to plan them, the more impressive they are. (Having said that, don’t wait too long!)

3. Assistance. The more people involved, the better a surprise can be. However, the more people involved, the greater chance you have of someone slipping. It only takes one careless word to tip off your target. Only bring on people you need who can keep a secret.

4. Unpredictability. Surprising people on holidays or special days is nice, but popping a big one on an average, run-of-the-mill Tuesday can be epic. I love to catch people with their head buried in the everyday and startle them with how valuable and cherished they really are.

5. Preparation. Surprises don’t have to cost much. It’s the time and planning that’s appreciated—and that’s what makes others feel appreciated as well. Part of the joy of a surprise is the realization that other people are thinking about you when you’re not around. Who doesn’t like that?

6. Deception. Warning: Only attempt this to the extent that you (and whoever else is involved) can pull it off. The point here is to throw off your intended target. Lead them to believe it’s business as usual. The equation is simple: The bigger the deception, the bigger the surprise.

7. Mass. Pile on the surprises. Just after you’ve surprised someone and their shock has faded into a relaxed smile…is the perfect time to spring another surprise! It takes planning and coordination, but you get an exponential reward.

I need a surprise. I need a break, a holiday and a surprise.

So please, surprise me Hunny.