Feeling lonely on my birthday

[Anonymous]

Can I vent?

Tomorrow is my birthday and I’m feeling a little lonely and sad. The weird thing is, I’m NOT one who has ever enjoyed celebrating my birthday, so these emotions this year are really feeling out of character.

We moved a little over a year ago and I haven’t made any real close friends here yet. My husband left out of the country for work business a little while ago, and so I will be all alone tomorrow, though with my little ones. For whatever reason, it’s hitting me hard this year and I’m feeling disproportionately sad.

I have plans for a nice quiet morning tomorrow. I already have coffee in the coffee maker ready to go, and my oldest told me she’d occupy my youngest when they wake up so I can read a book in peace while I enjoy my coffee. But I’m still sad for some reason and don’t know why, or what to do about it. It’s not a milestone birthday, there’s nothing substantial about this birthday. I’m just feeling so sad and lonely.

[Anonymous]

Get a cake and take the kids out to eat.

[Anonymous]

Aww I am so sorry to hear that you are feeling sad.

It could be due to the fact that you have not made any friends where you live now which I am sure IS hard - most especially since your husband is gone.

That is very nice that your oldest child will watch the youngest so that you will be able to enjoy some quiet “you” time for a bit.

Hoping you have a Happy Birthday tmw & I sincerely wish good things for you very soon! ❤️

[Anonymous]

Thinking of you! It’s hard to be new in town. I’m sure next year’s bday will feel different. I’d take the kids somewhere fun for dinner and buy yourself something nice online.

[Anonymous]

I think when you're a single parent, or parenting without a partner as you are right now OP, you have to teach your children to celebrate you - Mother's Day, birthday, holidays, etc. So they learn. Eventually they'll do it without you helping them.

[Anonymous]

Hi birthday twin!! We can celebrate each other in spirit tomorrow. I'll be sending you lots of birthday cheer.

[Anonymous]

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to yoo-oo, happy birthday to you!

Here is a bunch of birthday bananas to make banana daiquiris, and a roll of toilet paper (2-ply—sorry, someone greedy took all the 3-ply) for your tears or should the bananas give you the runs.

Happy Birthday!

In Finnish: Hyvää syntymäpäivää!

[Anonymous]

These posts are so kind!

To the OP: birthdays are just different as adults, and as parents.
Shoot, my parents aren’t even alive and I can definitely relate to your comment about feeling lonely.
Find gratitude in your day (yay! It’s another year you are alive!) and teach your kids about celebrating their parents’ birthdays.

AND treat yourself to something!

[Anonymous]

I would order in from your favorite restaurant, pop in a movie, call up a bestie and enjoy a cocktail when the kids are in bed. And order something nice online to look forward to! You got this.

[Anonymous]

Birthday greetings from this internet stranger. Don't be sad. This temporary lonely situation will pass eventually.

[Anonymous]

Happiest of birthdays, OP!

How old are the children? When mine were small, I made a big deal of their birthdays but they still enjoyed having cake on mine.

Can’t tell if you are a SAHM or might WFH, but if you are free with the kids today maybe go see a movie or go to the zoo? (No that isn’t what the birthday girl might choose, but my children’s happiness makes me happy, too.)

You are not alone today. You have your babies who will celebrate with you.

[Anonymous]

Have your little ones sing you the happy birthday song. Get gifts for everyone!

[Anonymous]

Happy Birthday OP!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you all so much for these kind posts. I’m not lying when I say they put a genuine smile on my face and cheered me up!

And Happy Bday, birthday twin! Hope you get to celebrate big!

[Anonymous]

Go outside to a pool or park to enjoy the day. Happy BD!