Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Did anyone not do anything for their 40th birthday?

38 replies

Dickorydockwhatthe · 19/08/2020 11:14

Obviously it's strange times anyway but my 40th is coming up and their is so much expection to do something. I always find people are up for weekends away until they have to pay and most parties I've been to not every one has turned up which is my worst fear anyway!! Is it normal not to do any thing and maybe just have a family meal. I hate being centre of attention anyway plus we've just got a new puppy and feeling very much like a new mum right now!! What did you do for your 40th?

OP posts:
EasilyDelighted · 19/08/2020 11:15

I did throw a party but can't say I enjoyed it. I let my 50th go by without any fuss at all and was happier that way.

Megan2018 · 19/08/2020 11:17

I had a day out with DH as it was a weekday then a family meal at the weekend. I hate parties and weekends away etc.

Ihaveoflate · 19/08/2020 11:17

My DH didn't do anything for his 40th, not even a meal. I don't plan to do anything special for mine next year. We're just not into big social occasions like that - fab to attend as a guest but just not interested in being the host/centre of attention.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Events & celebrations
RUOKHon · 19/08/2020 11:18

Me. It was earlier this year. Had a big child-free weekend away planned abroad but then the pandemic happened so I had to cancel everything. On the actual day of my birthday I did fuck all and DH and I had a row about gardening.

I’ll do a deferred celebration in style next year.

MrsAvocet · 19/08/2020 11:54

Me. I don't do anything for any birthday, except sometines go out for a meal with the family. I've never had a birthday party and I never intend to. Do what you want to do, not what you think other people expect of you.

Rockbird · 19/08/2020 11:55

Me. But then I'm not a good example. I hate parties of any kind and anything more taxing than going to a Carvery brings me out in hives!

pinkcattydude · 19/08/2020 11:56

We were on holiday we had a day out at an amazing (beautiful and natural) place and then dinner with family in the evening,

BogRollBOGOF · 19/08/2020 12:03

DH had a BBQ. We had a young baby at the time and he's not fussed about birthdays anyway.

We might do something bigger next year. I'll be 40 in late winter and he'll be 50 in the summer so probably better for me to have a delayed, joint celebration with him.

If you're not fussed, this years great to keep it low key Wink

pepecat · 19/08/2020 12:06

Mine's in a couple of weeks and all of my celebrations and events have been cancelled. I feel a bit sad about it as was looking forward to everything planned.

Angel2702 · 19/08/2020 12:06

I plan to have a nice weekend away with H on our own same as we did for my 30th. I can’t think of anything worse than a party.

Pascha · 19/08/2020 12:08

I think the kids made me a cake and we went for fish and chips. Pretty much a normal day. No fuss or bother thank goodness.

ODFOkaren · 19/08/2020 12:13

I was 40 in Jan and I had my head down the loo suffering from HG, 6 weeks pregnant! Not the best of birthdays. I spent it either in the bathroom laying in a dark room trying not to k no it to puke.

No it that I’d have done anything anyway. I don’t have any real friends and we are broke. Might have gone out to dinner but that’s it.

BadLad · 19/08/2020 12:16

A hotel break with my wife, and a few presents when we got back were my 40th. Exactly as I wanted.

mynameisigglepiggle · 19/08/2020 12:16

I think it depends on what you actually want to do. Your birthday your choice.

I didn't do anything for mine as my youngest had been quite ill and we had to cancel lots of plans. I couldn't face cancelling a birthday celebration too. I said I'd have a celebration another time but over a year later still haven't done anything. Still regret it a bit if I'm honest.
Still also waiting for a present from my DH too but that's a whole new thread!!!

moonbells · 19/08/2020 12:17

I planned a party, though was 8m pregnant at the time. DH was out of the country until the day of the party so couldn't help, and then I got the cold from hell and felt so rubbish it all got cancelled.

I was hoping to have a big 50th but DH didn't think I wanted one so organised nothing. Not even a formal bouquet. I nearly cried, especially as I organised a big do and birthday cakes for his... I went out instead with fellow school mums, who were wonderful.

He has been Told I want a big one should I make 60.

BlueChampagne · 19/08/2020 12:17

Picnic in the park with friends. Was expecting DS2 so hardly a major bender.

Spied · 19/08/2020 12:17

I was at work 8am-6pm I then returned home to squabbling DC and DP wearing his dressing gown of doom.
I was feebly presented with a bunch of flowers from Asda and forty quid in a card.

CMOTDibbler · 19/08/2020 12:18

DH was 40 in the early part of the year, we were married 15 years n the summer, and my 40th was in the autumn. A friend offered to have ds so we had a night away on our anniversary, but didn't do anything else.

Lottapianos · 19/08/2020 12:22

To be honest OP, it really doesn't matter what other people did for their 40th. What's important is what YOU want to do. There are many ways to have a celebration- for some people, that's a big party or weekend away, for others it might be a takeaway at home and an early night!

Please dont stress yourself out wondering what you 'should' be doing. You dont owe anyone a big celebration if you dont want one. Think about what you would actually look forward to doing, and make plans to do that. And happy birthday!

Geekster1963 · 19/08/2020 12:24

I didn’t I had a four month old baby, so had a good excuse.

cortex10 · 19/08/2020 12:25

Same as @MrsAvocet - rarely do much to celebrate birthdays

Whatsnewpussyhat · 19/08/2020 12:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

The80sweregreat · 19/08/2020 12:30

No , didn't do anything for 40th!

Aragog · 19/08/2020 12:35

I'm not into parties and being centre of attention so my 40th was low key. We celebrated as an immediate family - me, dh and dd - and went out for a meal that evening.

Although even the meal was a short one. We got an OFSTED call at school whilst I was having lunch with my year group colleagues locally so that was cut short, as was my evening meal.

So, I spent most of my 40th prepping for OFSTED coming the next day!

SnuggyBuggy · 19/08/2020 12:37

I personally don't enjoy birthdays, haven't since I was about 10, and don't see why my 40th will be any different. I'm not bothering.