Did you celebrate your 40th?

[Leftylooseyrightytighty]

I guess I'm feeling a little sorry for myself. My 40th came and went and it made me feel that I'm not very important to anyone.

I got a card from my other half and one from the kids and that was that. We generally don't do presents, so I guess I can't grumble about that to be fair.

I got up, went to work, had a bit of a crap day, came home, went to bed - just like an ordinary day.

Didn't get a text or card from any friends, no invites out or suggestions of doing something.

It just left me feeling a bit flat when it 'seems' so many people do something special for their 40th.

Anyone else experienced this, or am I over thinking and just need to give myself a slap?

I had a wonderful 40th - organised an incredible party at a truly stunning venue for all my friends and family. I was very happy being 40 - everything was great in my life. I had been very lucky in life until then. Then the next decade happened......my 50th was hideous. I couldn’t deal with the number or the shit storm of the past decade. Felt I had nothing to celebrate.....refused a party.....just went for a walk on the beach with my dog and DH....it was bliss. Then I decided that I would do something each month for my 50th year. Nothing lavish - just catching up old friends at special places. All in all you need to do it for yourself.

I hope to be this weekend (see my username!!)

I'm way past 40 now and on my own, but I recognise that my birthday is an important thing so I make sure I have a good plan in place for the day itself. So long as I get cards from my DC and my dad I honestly don't care about anyone else, though am often pleasantly surprised.

I was left on my 40th birthday. That was nice.
Not the day before or the day after, on my actual birthday.
At least you got a card. Could have been worse!

Ohjellybelly how shit!

Oh bless you. Happy Birthday lovely.
Nobody has ever done anything for me.
I even organised my own 18th (I'm 47)
When I was 40 I was pregnant with my first and only child. So I couldn't have a drink even. I got a bit of money. Put it towards a new bathroom! Felt very sad, but at least happy that I was about to give birth to my wonderful DD. Her Dad was a total cunt and I left him shortly after she was born, but my point (I think) is take pleasure in what makes you happy. I'll not celebrate my 50th. Have a night out, a night in, go away if you can afford it. Do whatever makes you happy. Don't expect other people to do that for you. Because it often doesn't happen
Having said that, PM me and if I'm near you I'd glady meet you for a birthday drink or two.

I have always been involved in organising my birthday activities, so do the majority of people I know. I make it clear that I will be marking the occasion and have been discussing my 50th birthday celebration with my DH for about two years, it is still 18 months off!

For my 40th, I was supposed to be going on holiday but the Icelandic ash cloud stopped that so DH organised a break in a posh country hotel.

Happy birthday, OP

I had a big party and a group holiday in a posh house, but I did organise it myself.

Things sound a bit miserable in your house generally - no presents ever?? DH and I don't spend a lot on each other - it's often secondhand books or records - but it's nice to make a fuss of people. I feel a bit sorry for your kids as well, growing up in a house like that. Why don't you start putting a bit more joy into things? There will be loads of ideas here if you're stuck.