Birthdays, when you’re not a birthday sort of person.

[Oleoreoleo]

If you’re not one for big birthday celebrations, and you had a significant birthday coming up, how would you like to spend it?

Looking for ideas.

Weekend somewhere fancy with friends or alone or significant other.

And from now on, embrace using your bday as a time to celebrate yourself and spoil yourself

My 40th I treated like any other day. I made it clear I wanted no fuss and people respected that. I had a few presents and that was it

I had a Dine in M&S meal at home with DH and the DC on my 40th. Can't stand people making a big fuss. I hear you OP.

I have a big birthday coming up. I don’t like big celebrations with lots of people, but I do like to mark my birthday, and I like spending time with people 1-2-1 or small groups. So, I am spending my birthday month doing mini celebrations- I’m going to a gig with an old friend, afternoon tea with my mum, doing a weekend break with my DH and DCs, going to a musical with my sister, etc etc. So far I have 8 events lined up, and I am really looking forward to it.

Completely ignoring it, same as usual. I can't be doing with celebrating my birthday in any way at all. I loathe it. It being my 50th will make no difference to it being my 49th in that regard.

I'm not into birthdays either. On my 40th last year, I let my brother and sister-in -law take me and my daughter out for a meal, and that was lovely. We just talked about normal stuff though!

I quietly processed the birthday and reflected on it myself (not for long!) later that evening!

Can I ask, why do people not like marking their bdays? I don't love parties, so I understand that aspect

I just find the entire thing utterly cringy. I hate presents because I hate being bought anything. And people saying "happy birthday" to me I find just excruciating.

It's nothing to do with age. I'm entirely comfortable being the age I am now and expect to be with all the ages I become. But the actual birthday thing I have been uncomfortable with since I was about 12. By 16 I firmly and actively hated it and started requesting it not to be noted. Took years and years to get people fully on board with that.

I loathe parties and last had one when 1 was 18 ,nearly 50 years ago. Dh and I have birthdays within a week of each other and are usually away. We always go out for a good lunch.

I had a big birthday recently and took off on holiday, as from previous experience no matter how much I tell my mother I don’t want to do anything she ends up trying to force me to do something.

I’m not fussed about birthdays so I always book a holiday - it gets me out of the “what are we doing for your birthday?” nonsense. I can’t remember the last time I was at home on my birthday!

@Twonewcats In my case I’m just a bit of an awkward git that doesn’t like parties, loathes surprises and gets overwhelmed by piles of new stuff I didn’t ask for. I have loved the years of homemade cards, breakfast in bed and dc blowing out the candles and gobbling my cake. But that’s about as much fuss as I can handle before it’s not enjoyable. A nice lunch or a walk on the beach is perfect.

This year dh has a big one, and we thought we had swerved the fuss by booking our family holiday then. Mil is hugely offended at me over this (it was actually his decision). Among his siblings and cousins, the norm would be along the lines of city break, substantial wow gift, and big party to follow. Our original plan to invite his family over for dinner after we get back is feeling a bit flat now.

Coffee in bed. Relaxing day of some sort (spa day - alone!). Or just a nice family day. Cake, a few presents (I hate presents but I tolerate them), nice dinner. I have dc so there’s no going out or anything but being at home really. If not for dc, I’d enjoy a weekend break with Dh. Or a nice meal out and a day at the spa. I don’t drink and I’m in bed by 9pm. 😂 I wouldn’t want a party or any sort of gathering. I like cards but not presents. Basically, I enjoy relaxing and nice food, experiences and nice words over people buying me stuff.

Though last year and this year I’m spending it at a conference. I think last year I went and ate alone at my fav London sushi place (because Dh and dc at home, not at the conference with me). I was completely exhausted after a busy day and was in bed by 8pm. 🤣

I have a significant birthday coming up in September. (60th) I dont like a fuss and certainly dont like parties. We have booked to be away(abroad) which is what I normally do for my birthday. Just me and OH. Bliss!
Father keeps asking what I want to do and trying to organize something. Im happy to go for a meal with immediate family but if anyone were to organise a bigger gathering I would not be happy at all!!

I would book myself a nice craft workshop to go to, preferably local and then fish and chips either before of afterwards with a decent mug of tea, and ice cream for dessert.

With the people I love best.

For my 50th I rented a holiday lodge that was big enough for us and my adult children and we spent a lovely long weekend with them. I got in some delicious food and we just spent time all together as a family. It was doubly special as my first grandchild had arrived 6 weeks before so we managed to have a proper introduction to the baby as well.

I don’t really get the adult birthday thing. Since I turned 18 my birthday really hasn’t been a big event for me.

The concept of a “big” birthday for an adult feels a bit silly to me but I appreciate others feel differently.