 | Relationship BuilderFulfill a Childhood DreamPosted Tuesday, August 14th, 2007 and visited 342 times, 1 so far today by revka |
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Here’s an idea I like to carry out every so often:
Listen to your spouse talk about his/her childhood or growing up days. Note an unfulfilled wish or dream, and surprise your spouse by making that wish come true. Everybody has different dreams, and this concept can be adapted in numerous ways: toys, trips, special events, and the like. The key is to listen carefully for references to unfulfilled dreams and to find a way to make those dreams come true.
I most recently accomplished this when I purchased Optimus Prime (from Transformers) for Mr. Incredible. He had mentioned that he had always wanted Optimus Prime but only got the generic version of the Transformers toys. The release of the new Transformer movie meant that this toy was once again available, and he was thrilled when I surprised him with the toy of which he had dreamed since childhood.
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August 14th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
They’re actually releasing the original Optimus Prime?! Wow. I had this big “Metroplex” transformer that somehow split at the midsection and that always had me bummed. I only have a few working transformers left, but my kids aren’t old enough to play with them yet…
Oh wait, you were actually talking about something we could do for someone not, necessarily, about Transformers.
Well, I think it’s a good idea– something unique– but how do you go about finding out if it’s something that they’d want or something they just have fond memories about?
Is Mr. Incredible still playing with Optimus Prime?
August 14th, 2007 at 4:10 pm Subscribed to Comments
Oh, you made me laugh with your response!
You know, one of the most amusing but also most endearing “guy traits” is the one of the little boy waiting to play with his toys. I am even more convinced that you guys never get over that!
First, let me clarify that I don’t know enough about the original Transformers to definitely say that they released the original Optimus Prime. This may be the version from the latest movie.
Okay, seriously now. I think you would have to know your spouse pretty well or be able to casually ask questions without arousing suspicion to determine whether “it’s something that they’d want or something they just have fond memories about” As far as Mr. Incredible goes, he’s pretty open about what he would like to have. Several times, he lamented the fact that he never received the Transformer he wanted so badly; I figured it was a safe bet that he would be thrilled to get one. And he was. He got the biggest kick out of transforming Prime for at least a couple of weeks before he put the toy up so our girls wouldn’t hurt it. (He’s very careful with his toys - has treasured Lego sets stashed away for safekeeping; and, yes, those were surprise gifts from me as well. :lol
This may not be an easy idea to carry out, but I don’t think a spouse will shoot you for giving a surprise gift, even if it ends up that they don’t care as much about it as their shared memories may have led you to believe.
Me … one day, I would love to take the voice lessons I always wanted as a child. Who knows - perhaps one day Mr. Incredible will make it possible for me to fulfill that desire.
August 14th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
This is pretty scary when you say Transformers AND treasured Lego sets. Maybe you need to talk to my wife.
August 14th, 2007 at 5:43 pm Subscribed to Comments
Star Wars lego sets, by any chance?
Yes, I think Virtuous Blonde and I could probably exchange some notes and some laughter.
August 15th, 2007 at 1:25 am Subscribed to Comments
This is a sweet idea, and I one I know works well.
August 15th, 2007 at 8:40 am
Ahh, I was the traditional Space, Pirates, Robin Hood sets when I was a kid– Star Wars came after my time, I think.
August 15th, 2007 at 8:49 am Subscribed to Comments
Hey, Leslie, I’m glad you like this idea. Have you been on the receiving or giving end? Or both?
August 15th, 2007 at 8:58 am Subscribed to Comments
MIn, Mr. Incredible always loved the classic Legos, too. The Star Wars ones are the ones I bought him after we were married.
August 15th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
It seems that a lot of the Legos that they sell now have to have some kind of product tie in versus just having space or forest or castle ones.
August 15th, 2007 at 1:18 pm Subscribed to Comments
I have both received and given gifts that hold a special place in our hearts.
August 18th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
hi nice post, i enjoyed it
August 20th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Thanks for stopping by, Gina. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
August 21st, 2007 at 3:25 pm Subscribed to Comments
Gina, thanks for your nice comment, and I apologize for not letting you know sooner that I do appreciate it. I hope you keep returning to WK. This is a wonderful site.