I don't know, OP, I kinda think it's a big deal. I can see how it could happen (I have two kids and a very hectic life), but I don't think you should be made to feel bad for feeling bad. I'm not a big birthday person, but if my parents forgot my b'day, sure, I'd move on and not dwell on it, but it might sting for a day or two.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did you check their facebook? My mom once wished me a happy birthday in her status but doesn't know how to tag people. Then she forgot to call me. I teased her about it. It was funny. I'm thinkin either your parents used to make a really big deal about your bday or there's something deeper going on - like you feel they are generally neglectful and this is just the F-you icing on the cake. Either way I'm sorry OP. Happy birthday to you!

OP here -- this is beyond a trend. My brother and I basically call each other on our birthday mornings and place bets on whether they are going to remember or not. For the last few years we are both winning so much with "no" that it's becoming un-fun. But at least my bro and I get a good laugh out of it when we report back.

See, it's a fun game. Enjoy it, tease your parents, and MOVE ON. Honestly, stop expecting it and you won't be disappointed.

My father routinely forgets my birthday, I now consider it one of his fun quirky traits. He's just awful with dates and doesn't put much importance on this stuff. But he's the same way with himself! He doesn't expect me to call and gush all over him on his birthday or father's day. He honestly doesn't even know it's father's day most of the time until I call to say hi. So this works to my advantage too.

He and his wife also forget their wedding anniversary. I reminded them once, when I saw them a few days before, and they had to figure out how many years it had been.

Anyhow, if they are otherwise loving, good parents, cut them some slack. Adult birthdays are really not that big of a deal...

My mom never remembers any of me and my brothers' birthdays. Its not a a big deal in our family, we don't celebrate or call each other or anything. In converse, I often forget hers too.

I forget my parents' birthday all the time. I don't think my mom would forget my birthday, unless she was travelling or something because she is generally obsessed with the calendar, but my dad would obviously forget it every single year. I would not take it personally. After my kids are grown, I will feel free to forget their birthday all the time.

Anonymous wrote:Did you check their facebook? My mom once wished me a happy birthday in her status but doesn't know how to tag people. Then she forgot to call me. I teased her about it. It was funny. I'm thinkin either your parents used to make a really big deal about your bday or there's something deeper going on - like you feel they are generally neglectful and this is just the F-you icing on the cake. Either way I'm sorry OP. Happy birthday to you!

OP here -- this is beyond a trend. My brother and I basically call each other on our birthday mornings and place bets on whether they are going to remember or not. For the last few years we are both winning so much with "no" that it's becoming un-fun. But at least my bro and I get a good laugh out of it when we report back.

OP here -- well, this thread served its purpose of making me grateful for my forgetful but not totally bitchy family.

I spoke with them both and laughed it off when they mentioned it, and we had nice conversations about all the things they've been doing and I never mentioned it again nor will I ever.

I love how so many of you automatically assume I'm a pouty princess who is going to guilt trip them. Can't someone be a little hurt and vent about something they admit is minor on an anonymous forum so they can get it out of their system, without you assuming the worst about that person?

If not, reflect on what that says about you and your perspective on others. And what about you makes you want to make someone who is feeling a bit sad feel just a little bit worse? Because the "it's not all about you" and "you're so childish" posts -- so not necessary when my OP says I know this isn't really a big deal. Just ugly. Is that who you are?

Did you check their facebook? My mom once wished me a happy birthday in her status but doesn't know how to tag people. Then she forgot to call me. I teased her about it. It was funny. I'm thinkin either your parents used to make a really big deal about your bday or there's something deeper going on - like you feel they are generally neglectful and this is just the F-you icing on the cake. Either way I'm sorry OP. Happy birthday to you!

Unless you are under 20, OP, then you really need to get over it.

When my mom first forgot my birthday, it was a signal of the beginning of her decline into dementia, we later realized. It's not all about you, OP.

Anonymous wrote:My parents forgot our 20th wedding anniversary and we were kind of hoping they might send us a check. They're usually pretty generous with things like this. Seems tacky to remind them, however.

Oh. My. God.

Happy Birthday, OP. Sorry they forgot. Maybe it's an age thing. I hope you otherwise had a good birthday.

Sixteen Candles!

The day my father forgot his own birthday is the day that I realized the quality of your memory does not equal how much you love someone.

Are you young or an only child?

My dad hasn't remembered my bday consistantly in years. Occassionally he remembers, but it is usually a few days before or after, never the actual day. Not such a big deal.