Have You Ever Wished that People Would Not Remember Your Birthday?
By highlyclever
@highlyclever (1111)
United States
July 30, 2008 5:35pm CST
Ok, it's an odd question. But I once had an older friend whose child unexpectedly died on the friend's birthday. For years following (and perhaps even to this day), my friend did not want to celebrate a birthday.
Other than a having a tragedy happen on a birthday, perhaps there are other reasons why a person would not want to celebrate. Perhaps they do not like the idea of getting older? Perhaps they do not like drawing attention to themselves?
Have you ever wished that people would not remember your birthday? (Or is this a ridiculous question to ask?)
12 people like this
24 responses
@sudalunts (5523)
• United States
30 Jul 08
The question is not ridiculous. When I was working I would hope no one would remember my birthday. At work they have this silly ritual, and you know the routine because it is done for everyone. They pass a card around in a manilla envelope for everyone to sign, someone sneaks out to get a cake, then at three o clock, the supervisor calls you into the conference room where everyone is there singing happy birthday off key. I never wanted to be a part of that, if your birthday was on a week end, they would do it on Friday. So predictable
@highlyclever (1111)
• United States
31 Jul 08
This reminds me of an embarrassing scene that I often see at a restaurant, when some patron comes in for a birthday special, and all of the employees come out singing "Happy Birthday" a little off-key or to the company tune... attracting the attention of the entire restaurant...
Good response. Thanks for the replies!
1 person likes this
@klaudine (3650)
• Indonesia
30 Jul 08
Yeah it happened to me. It was the saddest birthday in 2006. I wished nobody remembered my birthday and wished they just go away. I just want to be alone because I can't have my GF around. The situation was so hard, I was in an acceptance of myself so I can't accept anyone around me that time.
But as always, one person reminded the other and there was a birthday celebration. I hated it
5 people like this
@highlyclever (1111)
• United States
31 Jul 08
How sad for you! There is always one person... who probably means well - I do not know of too many people who maliciously remember birthdays that do not want to be remembered...
@painkiller77 (2073)
• India
31 Jul 08
sometimes, i wish that people do not remember my birthday. more so when i am in the hostel. they give such birthday bumps in the form of kicks that my a** pains for about a couple of days. they get so rowdy and hit me. but you know, you get paid in the same coin as you pay. so i have to accept their offerings 
2 people like this
Almost time I forget my birthday. But I also would like to share the day with some good friends.
As for yout older friend,I am sorry to hear that.Yes,he would like forget the day.
Let all bad things behind us.Let go...Enjoy today! Have a good day!
@darksorrow (4666)
• Bangladesh
31 Jul 08
It is a sad news.
I wish that my friends forget my birthday. Because on each of our birthdays we have to treat them. It is very expensive to treat all of them. So not only me but everyone prays that others should forget their birthdays. But no one ever does.
Actually it is a fun praying those things.
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
31 Jul 08
yup. that's one reason why i started not wanting to be remembered on my birthday. most of my friends just wanted me to treat them. i don't wanna waste much money on just one single day so i do hope that my birthday would be forgotten.
anne
1 person likes this
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
31 Jul 08
when i was younger, i hate it when someone forgot about my birthday. i would feel that that person does not care about me at all.
it was during my college years when i started realizing that it's not that important at all. it's when i started not caring if people would forget or remember my birthday. it's not anymore a big deal for me.
but don't get me wrong, i love my birthday and i am very thankful whenever i reach another year of my life. it's not that i am not too particular about the recognition anymore.
anne
@Omniusual80 (46)
• India
31 Jul 08
Ok, I whish that people remember my birthday as well as I remember their birthday, but I don't wish that they give Gifts, because some people gives costly some not and so some people thinks that I had given him a costly gift where as I receive from him is not so costly, and so mind upsets, so I think that people should only greet on that day and not gifts
@underdogtoo (9579)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
What a sad life to let go of an important event in your life. I don't celebrate my birthday with much to-do and I am content to be greeted happy birthday by my family.
1 person likes this
@highlyclever (1111)
• United States
31 Jul 08
I think that I am similar in several ways. If I am going to celebrate my birthday, I want to do so with those who are closest to me - close family and maybe a few close friends. I think that my thoughts have changed on this (and probably will continue to change as I grow older.) At this point in my life, I think it would be nice simply to have my birthday remembered with a simple greeting... and not a huge overdrawn fanfare of a party. (Who knows? Maybe when my birthday comes around again, I will change my mind?)
@izathewzia (5134)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Honestly, I just want my birthdays to be celebrated simply. Meaning, i just go to church and spend it with my family. It is okay if others will not remember it. As long as my husband and children is with me. Then everything is really, really fine.
@mimico (3617)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
This has never crossed my mind because I genuinely love birthdays even if it's not mine. I like it when people remember to send me a birthday greeting. Of course, receiving presents would be even grander. Sometimes, my close friends tease me about my birthday blowout. Those are the times when I don't feel like celebrating my birthday. But I always give in and treat them to lunch or dinner simply because I know I'll have a great time. :)
2 people like this
@inutme (372)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
Sometimes I do and I honestly don't know why. Maybe I just don't want to be reminded that I'm getting older, or maybe I'm just tired of hearing it. But if the person I really care about (aside from family) forgets it, it's a totally different thing.
@mjoan_ev (45)
• Philippines
31 Jul 08
i cant say no will ever remember my bday coz it falls on christmas day! the sad thing is i dont have any visitor!
how i wish i could invite all of you in my house but sadly for sure you have your own activities also with your families, some will go home to their provinces.
2 people like this
@mone101 (138)
• India
31 Jul 08
well in mine case its completely different,i don't like celebrating my birthday,actually on that dy my friends disturbs me allot for giving a treat more the enjoying my birthday,so for this i don't like celebrating my birthday
AS my birthday comes every year,so every year my friends wishes me and asks for a treat ,i would love to give a treat if they really deserves one..!
@xiaocaierdai (12)
• China
31 Jul 08
I don't think this question is very importent,sometimes I always forget my birthday,besides,in my family we also often take the birthday granted,what the birthay meaning, show you that you are older,or other things ,but when I come to the college ,my classmate will celebrate their birthday ,and what gift should I give them is my big problems.
1 person likes this
@momiecat (997)
• United States
31 Jul 08
My answer is definitely "yes"! My b-day is coming up. I hate getting older. I don't like getting presents (I know, odd). Your question is not ridiculous at all. I just wish people would forget my birthday. Sometimes I take the day off from work so people won't make a fuss. I am not really a cake person either, so I don't care if I get a cake. I really dread my birthday.
1 person likes this
@aphroditely (53)
• China
31 Jul 08
Actually, I don't care if ohters remember my birhtday. I pay little attention to this in deed. But, I usually remember others birthday: my family, good friends, classmates etc. I don't know why, but I am sensitive for this to remember others birthday and send a call or short messages to them.
1 person likes this
