This is kind of a vent / looking for ideas.
I'm 30 in a few weeks time. I don't want to do anything big or fancy. I was planning on having some drinks after work with friends, and any colleagues who want to drop in just for a drink or two. I was going to buy assorted wine / beer / canapes for everyone. Then going out into town with close friends and whoever's still around and fancies coming along. I get on well with my colleagues, if they want to come for a night out then great, but I realise lots of them have other commitments or commutes.
I don't want presents or cards, just a nice evening with friends. I don't even usually do parties (I almost ignore my birthday) but because it's my 30th it would be nice to have one.
None of my non-work friends, including my best friend, will be there. I sounded them out weeks ago to get an idea of numbers and had positive responses, but they all now can't come.
My boyfriend can't come either, although it was never 100% certain he'd be there anyway (this isn't his fault, it's a semi-LDR and he's on another continent; he works in the UK and another country).
Some of my work friends will be around. However I found out yesterday there's going to be another work party that night for someone who's been there longer than me, so I imagine most people will be at that.
I think my brother might be able to make it. My parents live out of town and aren't really party people.
I've been to friends 30ths and they've all had lovely things organised by their partner and they're all surrounded by family and friends.
I'm terrified that this is going to be like my 21st all over again, where I had everything laid out and not one person showed up. I can't bear the thought of organising something only for no-one to be there (or for a handful of colleagues to turn up and realise they've picked the loser's party).
It's not even like I can just forget the whole thing and go for a nice romantic meal with my boyfriend.
Needless to say, I'm feeling pretty low today. What would you do if it were you?