Easy, low-cost ways to celebrate an adult birthday without pressure

[OneNewEagle]

For anyone who celebrates their birthday as an adult could you suggest some easy ways to celebrate please? My next one is rapidly approaching. I always used to look forward to my birthday but I’ve had a few years of truly awful days and weeks before and after mine. including what should have been a special 50th.

Last year I decided that I wouldn’t celebrate and it was still a disaster and I ended up very hurt and upset. I don’t want to have to feel like that again. Some years it feels like my birthday has been used as a weapon against me, I’d rather not go into all of the details.

So I just need some easy ideas where I won’t feel awful and my birthday depression won’t get any worse. Money is tight after some unexpected massive bills.

What makes you happy? I like walking and wild swimming, so we often go for a walk and a swim (we live in a national park, but also not far from the sea).

The past 2 years I’ve been away at a conference the weekend of my birthday and I just noticed that one of my favourite musicals is opening a new West End run a couple weeks before. I’ll be in London solo anyway so I may take myself to see it since I don’t have anyone else to worry about that night as dc home with Dh.

Do what you like it doesn’t have to involve anyone else who isn’t going to love your idea of a celebration.

Picnic and a scenic walk?

Sorry things have been rough for you. I agree don't hint to your partner,, just say that you would love a cake made for you.

If it was me I'd get up and make cheese scones and crispy bacon for breakfast. Wander to the shops and buy a book, a bubble bath, new pyjamas and a half bottle of champagne or couple of cocktail cans. Stop in a cafe on the way back and have a hot chocolate, followed by a pot of tea and wedge of cake, with the new book, taking my time over it. Home for a bath with my illicit solo drinks and then into the new pyjamas and watch a couple of films or a trashy box set. Does that sound any good?

Or a solo cinema afternoon with a big bucket of popcorn?

Are there any craft cafes or similar near you that your DP and DC could take you to for tea and cake and pottery painting, glass making or similar, as your gift?

Or what about a board game or jigsaw and home made afternoon tea? I agree that it sounds like you need to point out the obvious that they need to do or organise something for you. What happens on their birthdays?

Have a day off cooking, cleaning, laundry etc for a start, do nothing except what you want to do. Could you go out to a library to have a good long browse and choose some books to bring home and read?

Tell DP and DC that they are making all food that day and what you would like. Being off work with stress shouldn't stop them from going out or doing things in the house within reason and its an important part of their recovery.

Happy birthday, hope you have a nice day and things start looking up for you.