Yesterday was my birthday. 29.
I didn’t tell anyone at work, but somehow my manager found out (probably from HR, I guess) and brought it up in the morning like, “Hey! Happy Birthday! Doing anything fun tonight?”
I panicked and just said, “Yeah! Friends are taking me out after work.” She smiled and said that sounded great.
The truth is, no one had invited me anywhere. I went home, ordered cheap takeout, and watched old episodes of a show I’ve already seen three times. It’s not the worst night in the world, but I guess it just felt extra quiet.
I’ve kind of drifted from most of my friends over the last few years. Some got married, some moved away, and a few I just… stopped hearing from. It’s no one’s fault, really. Life just goes on, and I didn’t exactly fight to stay connected.
I guess what stung the most wasn’t being alone—it was having to lie about not being alone. Like I couldn’t even admit to someone casually that I didn’t have plans, because it would’ve made the silence too loud.
I’m not looking for pity or “happy birthdays.” I just needed to say it somewhere.
I think next year, I might try to plan something myself. Even if it’s just one person. Or even just me, somewhere new. Maybe that’s still worth celebrating.
Comments
I get why you said that, I think I would’ve said the same.
Great idea about next year though! Doesn’t have to be a big deal, but any kinda acknowledgement is really nice.
We meet people daily but sometimes we stop talkjng yo them gor different reasons. Especially when we grow up, we differents goals or purposes that frift us apart. I take it as a new beginning in my life. I stopped talking to mg friends because marriage, work , and lam living in different country right now. I learnt life is like a train people ride this train and at one point they leave the train for good. We need to keep moving in our life. Most of us like that,I stopped celebrating a long time ago. I think you need more goals in your life and meet new people . How about a new hobby, traveling and visit new places . Think about new things you can do . I think you are still young