wish list vs surprises

here is the thing about the wish list -- it's a sure thing. i mean, if someone has a wish list, and you pick a gift for them off that list, then you can be fairly certain they are going to like it. so, it's safe.

but, there is something about picking out a surprise gift. the risk you take wondering if it is going to be liked. kind of putting yourself out there a little and saying -- i think i know you well enough to know you will like this thing, so here it is. if the person doesn't like it, it's hard on both sides. you have to face that you didn't know them well enough to pick out something they would like, and they have to face that you think they are the kind of person who would like whatever it is that they picked out.

what's amazing is when it works right. when the giver picks out something they think you will like, and you do like it. you get to be surprised & delighted, and they get the fulfillment of seeing you surprised & delighted. and, you both feel a little closer -- the giver feels they do know you after all, and you feel a bit more understood in this great, wide world of misunderstandings.

that's what's nice about the surprise gift that you like - besides the fact that you get a great gift - the fact that you feel a little closer, a wee bit more understood.

by the way, i got a surprise gift, and i like it. alot.