Anonymous wrote:I threw myself a party for my 40th. I provided a bushel of crabs, burgers, hotdogs, side dishes including vegan options, soft drinks, a keg of beer and tons of wine. I specifically said no gifts. Some people showed up with a bottle, some with a side dish. I for the life of me can't remember who did and who didn't.

That's how you throw a party!

I agree. I hate how so many things have turned keeping score.

Anonymous wrote:Holy crap. add me to the long list of people who would never think of taking a gift to a dinner/show related to a 39 year old's birthday. I haven't received a birthday gift like that for 20 years and I am around your age. Grow up already.

I know! It wouldn't have occurred to me to buy a gift for an adults birthday party! If it was at their home I probably would've gotten a bottle of wine on my way there but I do that for any party I go to at someone's home.

I threw myself a party for my 40th. I provided a bushel of crabs, burgers, hotdogs, side dishes including vegan options, soft drinks, a keg of beer and tons of wine. I specifically said no gifts. Some people showed up with a bottle, some with a side dish. I for the life of me can't remember who did and who didn't.

That's how you throw a party!

Anonymous wrote:Why do adults insist on celebrating birthdays?

A) Because people enjoy it.
B) Because they aren't fun sponges that view adulthood as sucking the fun out of life after a certain age.
C) Because life is worth celebrating.
D) Because people like to have one day -one- out of the year that is about them.

There are many reasons why, even if you disagree. So put a sock in it.
(And no, I had no party for my birthday. But I don't begrudge those who do. Neither should you. Ass.)

How was this a party exactly? Seems more like, let's meet a museum cafe. Which isn't a party.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She gave up her time to spend time together to celebrate your birthday. If you can't appreciate that, you should probably reevaluate what kind of friend YOU are! Not everyone is into gifts, especially for an adult's birthday. And it sounds like she was planning to buy your meal. I would give her a pass.

Which means she viewed my party as an obligation, right?
i don't know, I don't attend parties I don't want to attend (unless it is work).

OP, you need a real problem.

Anonymous wrote:OP has to be a troll who somehow derives amusement and entertainment from yanking the chain of strangers.

Or she's just an immature, materialistic idiot.

Either way I'm glad I'm not in her circle!

Yeah, no one can seriously give a crap about this. I'm guessing now she's a troll.

OP has to be a troll who somehow derives amusement and entertainment from yanking the chain of strangers.

Or she's just an immature, materialistic idiot.

Either way I'm glad I'm not in her circle!

Maybe she thought it would be a situation where you everyone paid for the birthday person's meal in lieu of a gift? What was she supposed to do then, email you a gift card right then and there? You sound super odd being so upset about this.

There's a woman like OP in my circle of friends. She's in her mid 40s and her birthday is a BIG DEAL and she gets very hurt and upset if it isn't celebrated as such. I missed the party last year because I had pneumonia and I didn't get her a gift. This year I wasn't invited and I was so relieved She has no idea that everyone else makes snide comments about having to make a huge deal about her birthday every year, but it's really gotten old.