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Original poster

Why do British people (at least on MN!) Have such issues with adults celebrating birthdays?

182 replies

BlazesBoylansHat · 18/10/2025 17:36

This has always been really striking to me & I've been on this site on & off for at least 15+ years.

The idea that adults like to celebrate their birthday brings out such negative reactions. I've never understood it!

Is it a cultural thing?

I'm Irish & we generally love to celebrate & speaking for me & my circle, we see the joy in marking these occasions as so many dont get that privilege.

But MN is another world when it comes to this!

Why is that?

OP posts:
Tagyoureit · 18/10/2025 17:47

Yeah I dont get it either. Birthdays are yours, not shared like xmas and its not a massive ask to be spoilt a bit on your birthday by those around you.

I like to be spoilt by my loved ones on my birthday and I equally make a fuss of them, gifts, dinner out etc.

I dont make a fuss over friends and I wouldn't go away for a weekend for a friend's milestone birthday in the same way i wouldn't for a hen do. But in my little family of 5, we make a fuss of each other's birthdays.

What I don't like are the martyrs.... dh has forgotten my birthday but im too proud to say anything, help me plan revenge types! Theres nothing wrong with saying out loud to your own dh its my birthday next month, I really fancy trying that xyz restaurant, what do you think? Shall we book a baby sitter? Theres nothing wrong with that.

MrsEmmelineLucas · 18/10/2025 17:46

I suspect most British people don't post on here 😉
I bloody love a birthday. They're always a big deal in my family.

yeesh · 18/10/2025 17:46

I think this is just on here tbh

Nescafeneeded · 18/10/2025 17:45

stclementine · 18/10/2025 17:44

God knows. Any excuse to celebrate is my attitude. Life’s hard and stressful, why not take an opportunity to have some fun?

Exactly! You’re alive in time for the blink of an eye, so why not?!

Nescafeneeded · 18/10/2025 17:44

Overtheatlantic · 18/10/2025 17:44

It’s just competitive misery. No celebrations, no heating, and no eating except a massive salad.

😂

just to annoy the miserable Marthas, I had a baby shower!

stclementine · 18/10/2025 17:44

God knows. Any excuse to celebrate is my attitude. Life’s hard and stressful, why not take an opportunity to have some fun?

Overtheatlantic · 18/10/2025 17:44

It’s just competitive misery. No celebrations, no heating, and no eating except a massive salad.