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Original poster

'Please record a happy birthday message for Jane as a 40th surprise!' Please fuck off.

78 replies

BlueEyedDash · 20/02/2021 18:47

Of all of the things that have become common this year, surely these recorded good wishes videos are one of the worst?

OP posts:
Veryverycalmnow · 20/02/2021 19:28

I avoid being filmed at all costs, but might manage to do a quick cringey video (would probably hide behind my DS) for a close friend or family member's birthday. I understand not wanting to do work ones OP. You're not being 'miserable' to not want to do them either. Everyone's idea of miserable is different...

Five67Eight · 20/02/2021 19:33

That's interesting. I've never thought of 30 as being a big Birthday. I wonder if it's a newish phenomenon? I've always considered the next big Birthday after 21 to be 40. I'm pretty sure I wasn't asked what I was doing for my 30th (nothing, evidently!) in the same way that I remember friends enquiring about my 40th and 50th. Don't remember friends treating their own 30th Birthdays as particularly significant, either, other than bemoaning the fact that we were getting old

Really?

I’m closer to 50 now, but I still remember all the 30th when I was at the time of life.

Forgothowmuchlhatehomeschoolin · 20/02/2021 19:35

Totally agree OP hate doing these would much rather call the person on the day and wish them a happy birthday

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Events & celebrations
Moominmama5 · 20/02/2021 19:39

Just say you feel awkward on camera and would rather send a message yourself if you don’t want to do it. If it was for me I’d be upset to find out people had resented what I thought was a nice gesture.
I can see where you’re coming from as you have no control over what happens to it next in terms of social media etc.

user1497787065 · 20/02/2021 19:41

I would be overjoyed if a birthday was able to go by unmarked. I have no understanding of the need to celebrate being a year closer to death.

VestaTilly · 20/02/2021 19:44

I understand OP, I find it absolutely excruciating. I had to do one for my brother (his lovely partner’s idea), who would also loathe doing such a thing. I hate being filmed and would much rather write something sincere in a card, or have a nice (one to one!) chat on the day.

I would cringe in horror if anyone organised this for me. I’ve just had a lovely lockdown birthday, with thoughtful gifts from good friends, and caring messages in cards and texts.

I’d love to get a card from Toorapid with a picture in Smile

BackforGood · 20/02/2021 19:45

I agreed with the first few replies, until you said it was for a colleague.
Blimey, I never know what to write on a card, I wouldn't be impressed at being asked for a video.

Granny's 100th birthday on the other hand, I would make the effort.

DanniM1986 · 20/02/2021 19:52

Oh look another negative thread.

It’s not hard to wish someone happy birthday or congratulations is it? Shit times and all that.

I’d of loved that for my birthday!

fluffythedragonslayer · 20/02/2021 19:52

We did this for my son in his lockdown birthday last year and he loved it

hipposeleven · 20/02/2021 19:57

I didn't know this was a popular thing, but a friend's kids asked me to record a message for a video for her 60th recently. I thought it was lovely and wished my dcs had done this for me! I can't understand why it would be a 'fuck off' thing. It's just a thoughtful thing to make someone happy.

ithoughtisawapuddycat · 20/02/2021 19:57

I had one done for my 40th which was last year and it was one the best bits of my birthday. I've watched it many times since and still brings tears to my eyes and I'll cherish it. I had family, friends and colleagues contribute.

MarmedukeDuke · 20/02/2021 20:00

I generally hate this shite but we recently reinacted a music video that was a favourite of my SILs for her birthday and it was really fucking funny, in an embarrassing cringe way.

All participants were clearly very drunk for their bits.

itsgettingwierd · 20/02/2021 20:04

I would do it for someone I liked and cared about.

I may be a cow but a few colleagues that I literally tolerate because I have to professionally I've ignored the "send a video message X for y celebration" emails!

BippityBoppityBop · 20/02/2021 20:06

Some people feel really uncomfortable on front of a camera. I have a facial droop from Bell's palsy as a teen and thinks like this make me anxious because the droop looks bad on camera and when I'm stressed. Thankfully my family and friends would never put pressure on me to do this or call me a miserable twat either but then they've seen me laughed at or the comments I've had.

Its a lovely idea for people and something I'd appreciate if done for me by people who actually want to but I also know plenty of people who really don't like being on camera for photos never mind recording themselves so I wouldn't be offended or think they don't care about me for not wanting to be on camera, I'd rather have a text than a recording of them cringing and hating every second. There's plenty of ways they to let someone you know you love them and want them to have a good bday without having to record yourself on video.

HavelockVetinari · 20/02/2021 20:11

YAB a miserable bugger!

But that's alright, lockdown has been very cruel to us all. Just be aware that it's your issue and don't take it out on innocent bystanders!*

  • I'm desperately trying to do this but it's tough going. of solidarity
RootyT00t · 20/02/2021 20:13

@CarriesFlower82

We did this for my dad's 70th birthday. I'd hate to think of people saying things like "fuck off" and being rude about it. We didn't tell everybody this but he has a terminal liver disease and the video we made of family and friends made his day.
💖
fireplaceburning · 20/02/2021 20:15

That's a bit sad! We've done it for people who have left work etc and that's the thing they love the most

Bluenightowl · 20/02/2021 20:19

It only takes a few minutes.

We organised one for someone’s 90th. It made them so happy to see people again. Thankfully the well wishers were lovely and most of them made videos saying how they knew the person and recalled one memory of a shared event or period in their lives. It meant a tremendous amount to the person whose birthday it was.....

Nobody knows how people are coping/not coping these days. I’d urge anyone to take part if you were considered important enough to ask.

NotWithMyShoes · 20/02/2021 20:24

Oh god, I have to do one of these too. And I hate photos and being filmed is even worse. Video call would be fine. Are you just supposed to say "hope you have a lovely day, happy birthday!" or something deep an meaningful too?

Honeyroar · 20/02/2021 20:28

I have only had one request for this and hated it. I’d rather ring up myself and send a card/present.

Itawapuddytat · 20/02/2021 20:40

Personally I wouldn't want anything like that for my birthday, and I don't like zoom parties either. I've already told DH and my children not to even think of it as a "surprise" for me Grin . Would do it for a close relative or friend, if this is what they'd like (probably cringing inside a little)

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 20/02/2021 20:43

Misery guts Op, stop thinking about yourself. It only takes a minute or two.

AlwaysLatte · 20/02/2021 20:46

That's not very nice.

partyatthepalace · 20/02/2021 20:49

No I think it’s a lovely idea, especially if you have a significant birthday you’d normally have a party for.

(Obviously of the person that asked you is asking everyone and their dog, that’s weird, but if it’s good friends then great.)

peak2021 · 20/02/2021 20:56

Whilst I would not wish to take part and would much prefer a phone call on the day were it me, I don't think it is the worst form of celebration or virtual event.

Some of the tv shows made with social distancing do not work at all and would be better off not made at present, for example.