Anonymous wrote:Op, you can't tell people how to love you. Loving you is not about loving you the way you think you should be loved, whatever it is. Sounds like this year was - generally - more of the same. Last year was a little better, but as you said, the trend is for them to not recognize birthdays. That's who they are. You are judging them for not loving you in the same style.

PP, OP said that was the normal to call or text in the past years, but no one did this year so she is sad.

Happy Birthday OP!

Op, you can't tell people how to love you. Loving you is not about loving you the way you think you should be loved, whatever it is. Sounds like this year was - generally - more of the same. Last year was a little better, but as you said, the trend is for them to not recognize birthdays. That's who they are. You are judging them for not loving you in the same style.

Again...how old are you, OP?

I agree with the posters who think that singing the song to another adult is kind of cringe-worthy.

OP here. Thanks to those of you who understood that such greetings in my family are normal, and who could understand why it made me a bit sad not to have received any. I was not looking for presents or flowers or a three-ring circus, just simple acknowledgement of the day, which is what I do for them and they have always done. I realize that other families may act differently and have different expectations.

I did have a very nice day with lots of hugs and kisses from my children, brunch with friends, and calls and emails from other friends. Please know that I do cherish these other relationships and am grateful for them. Just a little sad about my lone sibling and two remaining cousins. And no, I still have not heard from them. I will probably check in with all of them sometime this month to say hi, will not hold a grudge, and will continue to wish them a happy birthday on their day.