Anonymous wrote:This is the most out-of-touch thread. I'm not sure if people are being deliberately obtuse or really are that socially inept and insensitive.

It is NOT weird to feel sad if your birthday is forgotten by friends whom you routinely celebrate. If you plan other people's nice meals out, and they forget yours? IT DOESN'T FEEL GOOD. This is Psychology 101. How is this even up for debate?

I agree with this because my birthday was never celebrated because it's 3 days after Christmas. So, I always got the..."this is your Christmas/BDay.present". OP I feel your pain. December + January Bdays tend to suck the most.

Big Deal Birthday people are exhausting. No group gifts, I’m not into that. And the more you plan and Make a Big Deal, the more I pull away. Because where it all always leads is Me, Me, Me. I’m not into birthdays, my own or anyone else’s who is not my kids.

So sorry that you feel this way OP 😓

I’m sure it is a lousy feeling however keep in mind that you are a very good friend to others in spite of your friend’s shortcomings and that is a real treasure. ✨

You got texts. That’s how people recognize birthdays.

Anonymous wrote:I got a few casual texts, and of course my spouse and parents remembered. Friends? Nope.

I am the friend who goes all out to connect people - I make the reservations, collect Venmo for gifts, buy the cards, make the plans for every "group" birthday, whether it's pals from high school or the ladies from my neighborhood.

I got nothing in return.

I feel so lonesome and sad. I don't know why I am unlovable and forgettable. I'm kind. I'm thoughtful. And apparently, not worth much.

This is why no one did it for you. You’re the one who does this. They just respond to invitations. Everyone wants someone else to step up. It would have been nice if a friend was thoughtful enough to take initiative and celebrate you the way you celebrate all of them, but sometimes that doesn’t happen. I’m sorry. You deserve a nice celebration as much as anyone else — probably more.

Happy belated birthday.

American culture is very selfish. No one gives a crap about other people.

I hear you OP. And I totally understand.
Many people are in their own world.
They could care less about others. And they probably care about their phone more.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The malice and casual scorn and judgment here is heartbreaking. It's also very unrealistic. A YouGov poll of 1,000 Americans showed that 72 percent spend at least some of their birthdays with friends.

It is not unusual to hope that friends celebrate you on your birthday. It's not unusual to want reciprocity.

The anger here is telling. Look deeply within. Why respond so rudely? Respect.

Where did you dig up this ridiculous poll of a whopping 1,000 people? You’re not making the point you think you are.

Why are you so angry about this? Think deeply.

This is the most out-of-touch thread. I'm not sure if people are being deliberately obtuse or really are that socially inept and insensitive.

It is NOT weird to feel sad if your birthday is forgotten by friends whom you routinely celebrate. If you plan other people's nice meals out, and they forget yours? IT DOESN'T FEEL GOOD. This is Psychology 101. How is this even up for debate?

I’m not a big birthday person, but my spouse and kids forgot my 50th even though I reminded them a week in advance. It didn’t feel great, even as a person who isn’t generally invested in celebrating birthdays.