If you really dreaded a big birthday, what made it better?

[itcomesandgoesinwaves]

I feel so daft and I do know that I have a lot to be grateful for... but I'm turning 30 in January and just feel so blue. The main reason is that I've never had a relationship and I really do think I might have missed the boat now.

To make matters worse, I'm a teacher and it's on a Wednesday, which is swimming lesson day.

Having two close friends die before they reached their 30th birthdays. Both deaths completely out of the blue and shocking.

You just don't know what's around the corner. Enjoy the privilege of getting older. It's far, far better than the alternative.

I remember dreading turning 26. Then I copped on to myself and realised how ridiculous I was being. What's the alternative? Dying too young, not making the most of my life.

My younger brother died when he was 28, from cancer. I swore as I got older that I'd do it all enough to make him proud, and I have done.

Getting older is a massive, massive privilege, a treasure not afforded to everyone.

I'm 42 now, and I count my blessings every day that I get to open my eyes, see a sunrise, breath the air, hug my kids, taste amazing food, watch the sunset, count the stars.

Life is gift. Make the most of it.

Aah, I'm sorry OP while the PP are right, maybe just give yourself a break. You're not too old to have a relationship, this decade might be the best yet. Maybe play a bingo game in your head on Wednesday - what would make you laugh? Come up with some incongruous words and then drop them into conversations all day.
💐🍾🍾💐

I absolutely dreaded my 40th. I was single; series of bad relationships including one divorce, I desperately wanted a child … the dread leading up to the day was much much worse than the actual day OP - it was fine, a relief. I had previously gone off at my family like NO CARDS NO PRESENTS DON’T YOU DARE SING HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME etc. On the day I was like where my cards at? Where my presents? Where’s my cake? They were confused and I don’t blame them.

Oh and in the space of three years I met my partner & got pregnant. All is not lost OP.

I just don't get this. Every milestone birthday gets a massive celebration. No fear of aging just a celebration of still being here. As PP said above? It is not a given and most of us have sailed close to the wind at some point, especially in teens and 20s..

Family and friends making me feel special

My suggestion for a January birthday would be a holiday somewhere sunny, but tricky with the teacher thing.

I've got no hate for this, I understand birthday dread. My mother died very young indeed (35), it doesn't mean I don't dread ageing, failure, or dying before my time too.

Try to plan something nice for yourself for after school. Even a small thing. Cup of tea, slice of decadent cake. Ask a friend or two out for a birthday drink. Don't make it a massive thing or compare to other extravagant celebrations. 30 seems incredibly young to me! Happy birthday in advance for your Wednesday January birthday.

I just had my 35th which I was dreading. Always find it's ok on the day and afterwards, just the anticipation that's bad. I've told myself there's nothing I can do about it after all