I recently arranged, a week in advance, for my step-son to come to stay as a surprise for his dad's birthday. He lives at quite a distance and DH only gets to see him about 3 times a year.
As time has drawn near, I realised how much I am looking forward to the event - likewise DSS and it struck me that it might actually be nice for DH to anticipate the visit too.
I rang DSS and asked him if he felt ok to share the 'surprise' and he agreed to - he then rang DH to tell him the news. I know the absolute pleasure in DH's voice would have been evident to DSS and DH has been noticeably cheerful! I have enjoyed being able to jointly plan how we might spend time at the weekend since the new is 'out'.
So, one very happy DH, check. However he did remark "That would have been an amazing surprise to see him just walking along the path!"
On balance I'm not regretting the decision to tell him as he has been able to look forward to the visit for several days. I think if roles were reversed I would have been pleased to be able to anticipate too.
However, I am interested to know what others would have done. And what would you have preferred for yourself - surprise or anticipation?
