O: Secret pal question

I wasn't your secret pal, but I am guilty of not being a great pal. I guess I'm not as inventive etc as some of the others in the group. I want to be. Also, it is hard to know what to get for someone when they have little to choose from on the page. That makes it difficult when you don't know much about a person. I tried to learn as much as i could each time I participated. I think that it is important for the participants to give some clues and information that helps the pals to make selections.  It is the luck of the draw and we have to try to make the best of it. Maybe for the next one- the draw will be more favorable. Maybe for the next one- I will perform better as a secret pal.

i myself have been very much less than attentive and creative to my pal- however my pal knows that she has been thought of-  it's a tough spot.

Darlene, This is why I don't participate.  I've had great secret pals, but I continually see disappointment, sarcasm, guilt, embarrassment, chastisement.  We are adults and this just puts the 'gritchy old lady' syndrome in place.  At least it does for me.   I know me well enough to know that it stresses me to 'have' to do something and go to the mailbox in a timely manner.  I don't do well with it so I don't participate.  I find myself worrying if I'm doing enough or if someone will like what I've done. It's just too stressful for me.  I love to watch everyone else participate, however. Janet

like jan said- it is just to go forward-  it is the luck of the draw as aime pointed out- i have been less than attentive to my pal but i truly think she is ok with it- and i wonder when we plan these things how many will be disappointed like carla  and a few others-  so many just simply do not get on and gush- and so many who used to "play" at being the sender-even if they weren't-aren't online as much anymore so the fun hasn't been as great!  i picked out something the other day that i would send to you if you were my pal for the halloween draw-hmmmmmmmmmmmmm i am questioning whether or not we should actually do a halloween draw and then christmas or if we should go to a yearlong same person draw starting over with elfster -or without elfster.???????

I love the idea of Secret Pals. I think that we should go into it with open eyes and concentrate on being as good at giving of our time as we can, but letting it go at that. Know that some may be dissappointed, but I think that the most fun is in being the giver anyway. I wish the group was of active or semi-active posters. It's so much fun watching what people are writing about and getting to know them here, then matching the gifts to that person you are getting to know. If the person doesn't write the connection is difficult. I do like the idea of having a longer term pal- maybe Halloween to Easter. Julia P.S. When you sign up to be a Secret Pal, know that the postage to send a box across the country is around $10. That's not a problem for me, but if you are thinking of doing it you need to know these things.