When I was young I received a hardbound Little House in the Big Woods for my birthday.  That year at Christmas I was given Little House on the Prairie. The following birthday brought Farmer Boy.  You get the point.  The anticipation was delicious.  I treasured each book because it came with a waiting period.

I’m convinced that a major component in the excitement over the final Harry Potter book is the fact that, finally!, people had to wait for something they wanted.  Tension increased as the publication date approached.  And there was a thrill in that taut expectation that replaced the typical torpor, boredom and apathy. 

This applies across the board to all our appetites:  food, drink, sex, entertainment, travel. 

It all tastes better when you are hungry.