I watched a video today where an AuDHD creator said, “I hate surprises, but I like finding things accidentally,” and I immediately thought, “Oh! It’s not just me!”

I hate surprises because they don’t give me a chance to picture myself in the situation beforehand, and if I can’t picture it, I often feel unprepared and anxious.

This is probably why I read the last page of books, Google information about shows while I’m watching them, and like knowing what to expect before appointments, social events, or other plans.

At the same time, I love discovering things unexpectedly—a bunny crossing our path on a dog walk, flowers blooming for the first time, or running into a friend when I’m out.

Maybe the difference is that surprises throw me into situations I haven’t had time to prepare for, while discoveries happen within situations I’ve already imagined myself being in.