We want to go places, get what we need from them, and leave. We have easy access to predictable purchasing experiences, but in many towns we re left with no back alleys or courtyards to explore, no used bookstores with that tattered old copy of Curious George , no narrow little street with diverse or eclectic-looking homes. Everything is nice and neat, all set up for our convenience. The Chicago neighborhood where I lived ten years ago had three nice little independent coffee houses that offered a variety of music, poetry, books, and beverages. Now it has three Starbucks and no independents.
Some people don t like surprises.
But others thrive on being surprised. Perhaps people who need surprises must seek out environments that will allow them those surprises. Or perhaps we can create our own opportunities for surprise no matter where we are. Maybe if I had spent more time getting to know the people behind the supermarket counter, at the gas station, etc. in my suburb, I d have found surprises in the human aspect of the environment. Think about what you want and need in your home environment.