I am old, but my parents organised a surprise party on my 18th birthday. It nearly went pear-shaped, but was greatish on the day.
One reason it nearly didn't work was thar my mother asked my boyfriend to invite guests during another party, meaning that he was away and back from me the entire evening, which I found really strange and inexplicable.
On the evening before my birthday I was "working", which meant driving a friend to fulfil a dinner party catering job. When I got home the parents were still up, in the kitchen and giggling. I went into the larder and the diningroom, but did not twig that there was anything going on - it was late and I was tired.
Next morning, my birthday, I was in bed, when my oldest fried came romping into my room exhorting me to get up and put on something "pretty" why?
Whilst drying my hair in my parents' bedroom, I saw friends coming down the road. Heard them arrive and then heard my mother say "mow you can make a noise!".
Am I being an old fart in thinking that my parents had no idea that this was not what I wanted? To be fair they did a fantastic job, but I wonder, to this day, how much they underestimated my character and personality. Although, obviously I appreciated the sentiment and effort. The only downside was that I had to drive my boyfriend home, so could not drink. Also I do not remember where my younger siblings were and if they joined in. I would rather have had a family lunch somewhere pleasant and delicious - or cooked it myself - right or wrong?
What would your reaction have been?