To not want to make a thing about a zero birthday?

[JaneFrances]

I went on a birthday lunch today. The birthday girl is a big party animal and has had lots of different celebrations exactly as she did 10 years ago. That's her thing and I'm happy to celebrate with her. But for mine I don't want cards with my age on, banners or balloons. It's the same to me as one ending in 9 and the next one ending in 1. I'm sensitive about people knowing my age (obviously my friends know) and I don't want to advertise in this way. Certainly not in public.

Another friend repeatedly called me miserable. I don't think I am, I always do things for my birthday and invite them all. I'd be mortified if I was presented with balloons and banners.

No it should be your choice. I hate the way someone is declared miserable because they don't want what the other person would.

I've never been fussed about birthdays, it's just personal choice and certainly doesn't make you miserable.

However, I've never understood anyone being sensitive about their age?

There are many solid facts in life and our age is just one of them 🤷‍♀️

I've just had a birthday with a zero on the end and made it absolutely clear I didn't want to celebrate it with a party of any sort. Not because I'm particularly sensitive about my age, I just don't like fuss or being the centre of attention. I just went out for dinner with DH and that was all I wanted.

I had two surprise parties for my 40th and they were more fun than I thought I'd have.

I don't think not wanting balloons is unusual.

I think being sensitive about your age is sad though. I've outlived a lot of my loved ones already.

It’s completely up to you how you celebrate. I’ve never celebrated a birthday in a big way. Having said that, I’m not sensitive about people knowing my age. Having lost friends who should have had decades ahead of them, I now see aging as a privilege not everyone gets to enjoy. It’s a shame you feel that way.

How you celebrate your birthday is your choice and your friend is just being a pain in the @ss and they should not be interfering.

It’s fine for you to do, or not do, whatever you want. But it might be a good idea to work towards being grateful to have lived to the age you are, not everyone gets that luxury.

Nothing wrong with doing your birthday your way.

growing old is a privilege denied to many. That’s what I repeat over and over as I’m approaching a big bday. I look forward to them, as it means a weekend abroad with my childhood bestie.

Where did OP say they weren't grateful to have lived to the age they are?

They simply said they don't see the need to go overboard with celebrations for a birthday ending in a 0. I'm the same, I love my birthdays but what the number ends in means nothing to me, a zero birthday is no more special than any other. I'm not sensitive about my age however, but some people are, and that's fine.

Not at all. I love a big celebration for a big birthday, but I totally respect those that don't. If you just want a lower key thing, a few friends for a meal out, or two friends out for a low key lunch, or even less than that, do whatever you want. Silly person for calling that miserable.