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Why Birthdays Suck

Like Christmas, I'd be happier skipping my birthday every year. I hate birthday surprises, I don't want gifts, and it's never a happy day for me. I don't know how old I really am (based on biological landmarks I might be a year or two older than they say) or on which date I was actually born; I believe my adoptive mother picked the day I was handed over to her as my birthday.

Anyway, this year I began looking back on what I did for my birthday in the past, like visiting Tarpon Springs. Lovely people, terrible aquarium, great seafood. My guy decided we should go there.

I went to Busch Gardens for the first time on my birthday one year because my daughter loves it. I am not a theme park person, but it made her happy. I did enjoy taking photos of the animals.

I generally spend my birthday away from home because my family thinks I should go some place spectacular or exotic and have fun all day, usually doing what they like to do. I like staying home -- I traveled and did all the spectacular, exotic, fun things when I was younger -- but since they don't understand I try to be a good sport and go along with it.

Yes, I should say something, or have it out with them, but that's also difficult. Speaking up for ourselves and not letting others make decisions for us are problems that all shy people like me have. Going along with what they want avoids explanations and confrontations. Also, they will never understand why I don't like my birthday because they weren't adopted like me. They were loved and wanted. I wasn't. Would you want an annual reminder of that? Would you want to party because of it? There you go.

I know I should really do what I want, because even if it's fake it is my birthday, after all. Will I? Probably not.* :)

*Added: I was right, they want me to go out and have fun with them again. This time I requested we go to Cocoa Village, a town I do like, versus someplace I won't. At least there's a book store. Fingers crossed I get there and there isn't some kind of horrible surprise.

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Comments

Maria Zannini said…
The question is, what does Medicare think is your birth date?

I'm sorry you don't enjoy your birthdays. I would love to travel, but Greg never wants to stray further than a short car ride away. His idea of an ideal birthday bash is an elaborate meal. I'd rather take in the sights.

But to each his own. You should do what you want to do.
I do understand having to settle. Since I can't seem to get a trip out of him, I'll settle for having one less meal to cook--plus leftovers!
July 13, 2026 at 2:34 PM
the author said…
Like everyone else (including Wikipedia) Medicare thinks my birth date is the fake one. Since it's officially recognized as that by the state in which I was probably born, I am now officially off private insurance, too. That's $300.00 less to pay per month, which is a nice present.

I did get a little birthday gift last night -- I learned to my utter shock that my daughter has taught herself how to crochet. After 32 years we finally have something in common. :)
July 14, 2026 at 3:51 AM
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