Would someone care to explain the difference(s) between the verbs gefallen and freuen, and situations where one would be used and not the other?
I'm referring to the meaning given to both of them in the dictionary as "to please sb.".
I realise gefallen is typically used as reflexive dative, and freuen is reflexive accusative.
However, are there more specific instances or scenarios where one is preferred over the other? Or are they generally interchangeable (at least colloquially)?
It seems to me (with very limited German knowledge), that the sense of pleasure that freuen invokes is more temporary or momentary. Gefallen, on the other hand, seems to indicate a deeper character trait (e.g. a stronger appreciation). Am I correct in this thinking?
This would then seem to fit the use of freuen as taking delight in somebody else's immediate presence, or in completing a request that is asked by someone else e.g.
Ich würde mich freuen ...
As
I would be pleased to ...
In addition, with "auf" it can be used to indicate "anticipated pleasure", which appears to be more temporary in nature, and not a character attribute.
Gefallen, on the other hand, seems to be used in situations invoking a stronger appreciation of a place or activity.