The celebration of birthdays

[PoetPhilosopher]

I don't want to start a big debate about whether we should celebrate birthdays on RF or not. I think it's a nice gesture that can create a friendly vibe for the forum. But I have to admit that I find birthdays, in a more general, less RF-centered sense - kind of pointless, personally. Maybe it's because I've had some bad experiences with them, both in real life and online. There was one year when nobody remembered my birthday, and when I asked a family member about it, they said, "Oh! Did you want cupcakes?" as if it was no big deal.

And I think this is not just me. I've noticed that some people, especially the ones who are outgoing and popular, get lavish birthday parties and lots of attention, while others, especially the ones who are introverted and quiet, get ignored or overlooked. Even at a previous place of work, I saw how some employees and managers got their birthdays celebrated, but others (about half of them) got nothing at all.

I think birthdays should be less about splurging and showing off, and more about expressing and sharing genuine feelings and values. I think that would make them more fair and inclusive for everyone, instead of creating gaps and divisions.

I think we should also make it acceptable for people to ask for a birthday celebration on their own, but without the materialistic aspect. I think a birthday celebration should be a simple and cozy event, where people don't spend money on gifts or fancy things, but just pay for their own basic needs to get to the event. Maybe even split the price of a pizza 3 or 4 different ways, paying for their own pizza slices that they are going to eat.

 

[YmirGF]

I don't want to start a big debate about whether we should celebrate birthdays on RF or not. I think it's a nice gesture that can create a friendly vibe for the forum. But I have to admit that I find birthdays, in a more general, less RF-centered sense - kind of pointless, personally. Maybe it's because I've had some bad experiences with them, both in real life and online. There was one year when nobody remembered my birthday, and when I asked a family member about it, they said, "Oh! Did you want cupcakes?" as if it was no big deal.

And I think this is not just me. I've noticed that some people, especially the ones who are outgoing and popular, get lavish birthday parties and lots of attention, while others, especially the ones who are introverted and quiet, get ignored or overlooked. Even at a previous place of work, I saw how some employees and managers got their birthdays celebrated, but others (about half of them) got nothing at all.

I think birthdays should be less about splurging and showing off, and more about expressing and sharing genuine feelings and values. I think that would make them more fair and inclusive for everyone, instead of creating gaps and divisions.

I think we should also make it acceptable for people to ask for a birthday celebration on their own, but without the materialistic aspect. I think a birthday celebration should be a simple and cozy event, where people don't spend money on gifts or fancy things, but just pay for their own basic needs to get to the event. Maybe even split the price of a pizza 3 or 4 different ways, paying for their own pizza slices that they are going to eat.

Birthday celebrations are more of a kid's thing rather than an adult thing.
With adults, it's only the milestones that bear celebrating, if even then.

I supposed the only obligatory birthdays after childhood would be 30, 50, 65 & 100 (and every year thereafter).
I don't actually remember the last time I had even a small party, LOL.

Edit: I do recall my mom asking if I wanted a pie for my birthday because I have always hated cake, but aside from that, no memories past about 25.

 

[JustGeorge]

Birthday celebrations are more of a kid's thing rather than an adult thing.
With adults, it's only the milestones that bear celebrating, if even then.

I supposed the only obligatory birthdays after childhood would be 30, 50, 65 & 100 (and every year thereafter).
I don't actually remember the last time I had even a small party, LOL.

Edit: I do recall my mom asking if I wanted a pie for my birthday because I have always hated cake, but aside from that, no memories past about 25.

I don't know... my husband's birthday bashes last anywhere from 3 days to a week...

 

[Shadow Wolf]

And I think this is not just me. I've noticed that some people, especially the ones who are outgoing and popular, get lavish birthday parties and lots of attention, while others, especially the ones who are introverted and quiet, get ignored or overlooked. Even at a previous place of work, I saw how some employees and managers got their birthdays celebrated, but others (about half of them) got nothing at all.

Yeah. When I was at an Arby's the policy was no personal announcements on the reader board. Except the *** kisser who literally scratched the store manager's back got his 18th birthday and highschool graduation both put up on it.

 

[Jimmy]

Love birthday parties. Family, cake, presents, balloons, all of it. It’s kind of a big deal. I mean after all, it is the day you came into this world, imo. Soon you’ll be dead so…

 

[Jimmy]

Birthday celebrations are more of a kid's thing rather than an adult thing.
With adults, it's only the milestones that bear celebrating, if even then.

I supposed the only obligatory birthdays after childhood would be 30, 50, 65 & 100 (and every year thereafter).
I don't actually remember the last time I had even a small party, LOL.

Edit: I do recall my mom asking if I wanted a pie for my birthday because I have always hated cake, but aside from that, no memories past about 25.

Kids only? I disagree. In that case there’s a whole list of things one ‘shouldn’t’ do.