First birthday without gifts... sigh

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This year was the first time I didn't receive any gifts for my birthday. It didn't surprise me, in fact, it's been two weeks since and I just realized it today. My family has never been big on gifts, we're just used to saying when we want something, and the others will give you money, if they can, so you can go and buy it. Most of my friends now live abroad; they used to send me all sorts of gifts until I asked them to stop, because they got lost in the post office all the time and it was just a waste of time for me and a waste of money for them. In return, I got about 250 "happy birthday" e-mails, I was so set on responding with the same words to all of them, I was just about to respond to some companies who sent me automatic happy birthday e-mails, because I was registered in their database with my birthday. The friends I have over here apologized for not getting me anything, and they just said they didn't have any money - which I completely understand. In fact, I'm happy they chose to do this instead of going out of their way, and out of their budget, to buy me some crap. I didn't get anything from my co-workers, because I'm on sick leave. There, that's everybody. Now, I'm not mad or frustrated for not receiving anything... just that it's a bit depressing. A little bit. How about you? Did you ever have any birthday without any gifts? How did that make you feel? Or, if you were on the other end, did you ever make an effort (financial or otherwise) to buy a birthday gift for somebody?