Pretense Scenarios

HIGHLIGHTING EXPECTATIONS AND SEDUCTION

Overheard in a Barnes & Noble Bookstore:

Expectations Person: I don’t understand why they changed the type of cappuccino they were offering! I was just getting used to it. This one doesn’t taste as good.
Seduction Person: Well, they were probably just cost cutting and looking for the best deal. What do you expect?
Expectations Person: I expect them to maintain some consistency, and that they want to keep me as a customer. Instead, that sales clerk didn’t even care enough to tell me in advance that this was a different blend.
Seduction Person: You just can’t trust people like you used to…it seems to be getting worse all the time.
Expectations Person: Maybe I should ask for my money back. Unfortunately, I need a caffeine fix right now.
Seduction Person: Well, it’s up to you, of course, but I would at least complain to management.
Expectations Person: What good would that do?
Seduction Person: By complaining, they will probably provide you with a few discount coupons, depending on how upset you get, of course.
Expectations Person: You mean, the more angry I get, the more they will give me?
Seduction Person: Of course. I have helped many of my special friends get what they deserve in situations just like this. I think you should remember a time from the past when you were screwed out of something you deserved and get into the experience before you go to see the manager, who’s just down this aisle.

The Expectation Person goes away to complain, then comes back smiling…
Expectations Person: Well, you were sure right. I got a coupon for several free cappuccinos as well as some coupons for deep discounts on books.
Seduction Person: Didn’t I tell you? I am glad you followed my advice and got something for your inconvenience.
Expectations Person: How about I give you some of these coupons?
Seduction Person: No, I think you deserve them the most. Wasn’t it great doing something that you usually don’t do?
Expectations Person: Yeah! I feel great and even a little more powerful.
Seduction Person: That is the way we should always feel. When you are with me, I want you to remember what it feels like to push the boundaries a little and live. That is one of the greatest benefits of being around me; I keep people awake, invigorated, and excited.
Expectations Person: Well, I sure feel that way now. What are we going to do next?
Seduction Person: Perhaps you would enjoy a drive out to lookout point so we can watch the stars, take in the view, then settle into my great sound system.
Expectations Person: It sounds like a great idea, but I was not planning to be out late tonight.
Seduction Person: I didn’t say it had to be late. I believe I could get you back home by 11:00 p.m. It looks like a great night. It would be a shame to miss this opportunity.
Expectations Person: Yes it would, but you have to promise me we will be back at my house by 11 p.m., okay?
Seduction Person: You have my word.

HIGHLIGHTING CONTROL AND ROMANTIC MYTHOLOGY

Two individuals are attempting to plan a date over the phone. They have been out several times before,
and are interested in getting more physically and emotionally engaged.

Control Person: Are you sure that there are no picnic sites available at Beaver Creek?
Romantic Mythology Person: I called them and they told me it was all booked up.
Control Person: What about the on-line sites?
Romantic Mythology Person: What on-line sites?
Control Person: That is what I was afraid of. There are several sites on the far mountain that you can reserve on-line.
Romantic Mythology Person: No one told me about them. How do you make reservations?
Control Person: I’m doing that right now. I have reserved site #21A for us for tomorrow. Now, about groceries, I would like you to get the cheese and grilled chicken at Whole Foods, and a good Chardonnay from the gourmet shop down the street. Don’t forget the blanket and the tube tent in case the weather gets bad.
Romantic Mythology Person: Did you hear it could get bad? I thought the weathercaster said it was sunny and in the 60’s and 70’s in the Beaver Creek area.
Control Person: I always believe in being prepared. So you will pick me up at 7:00 a.m.?
Romantic Mythology Person: That seems awfully early! Can’t we start at 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. instead?
Control Person: No, I scheduled the trip so we arrive at the site at 10:00 a.m. Then we can get set up, eat, and go hiking for the rest of the afternoon. It will be a great adventure.
Romantic Mythology Person: I was hoping for a little more spontaneity or an opportunity to explore what we want to do on the spot. Are you interested in keeping an open mind about what we end up doing?
Control Person: It would help me to optimize what we are doing if we could follow a general schedule. I think you have to have some structure in order to make things work, don’t you?
Romantic Mythology Person: No, I don’t think we will have a better time if everything is known. I enjoy myself more when I just go with the flow and take advantage of those unique opportunities that unpredictably appear. Don’t you want to be swept away by the appearance of something unexpected?
Control Person: You are a lot more romantic than I imagined. I guess I like to be more practical and plan things more than you.
Romantic Mythology Person: I respect your planning skills and love the way that you have organized everything. I hope that we have time to really get to know each other.
Control Person: I know we will.