5 x how to celebrate your birthday if you don't want to celebrate it
It may sound a bit unfriendly, but not everyone loves to throw a huge party for their birthday. For me, for example, I really enjoy doing something cozy on my birthday, as long as no one sings for me. I find that such a dreadful moment, but I really can't explain why. It's just a feeling that comes with it. But doing absolutely nothing on your birthday... That probably doesn't help for a cheerful feeling either. Strangely enough, I am a huge pusher for others to celebrate their birthdays, but if you, like me, prefer not to throw a big party, these are the things you can do to still celebrate it a little without the threat of a birthday song.
Your inner circle knows exactly how you feel about it
My personal favorite is to do something with a small group. In my case, that's usually family (which isn't necessarily a small group with 4 sisters, brothers-in-law, all the kids, and my parents, but still) and a few best friends. My real inner circle knows how I can dread my birthday, and thus also that they especially shouldn't sing. Planning a little get-together at home like you would often do with this select group makes me happy without birthday fuss.
That weekend away with your loved one or your bff that you've been talking about for so long is now just going to be planned. How nice is it to give each other this form of quality time instead of stuff! You can make a fun annual tradition out of this, which will make you look forward to your birthday: after all, there's a nice trip coming up. Or surprise each other every other year with a special activity that you wouldn't quickly plan in a ‘normal’ weekend.
A bit of personal development or relaxation: the ultimate me-time
Go for that special me-time. Something you've wanted to do for a while, but think is just a bit too expensive or that you think ‘I really need to plan this once’. Now is the time. A weekend away by yourself to that nice spa (you won't talk during the massages anyway), finally starting to learn that one language, a spiritual reading to Why should you necessarily celebrate your birthday with others? You can also give yourself these kinds of nice experiences as a gift.
Instead of waiting until New Year's, you can also create a personal ‘year in review’ around your birthday. A moment of realization of what you've achieved in the past year, and looking forward to what is to come in the next year or what you would like to achieve. You focus on yourself. Take this moment to realize how proud you should be. How you've gotten through difficult periods, what the highest peaks of this year were, and celebrate this for yourself.
Of course, there is also that one very drastic method
Curtains closed and phone off, hiding under a blanket, and denying that it's your birthday. I would personally advise against this method, as you unconsciously focus on the fact that you are not celebrating your birthday. Even if you're not into milestones, this can lead to a feeling of loneliness. And as silly as it is, this way is also not so nice for your surroundings, of course. If you at least plan something special for yourself, they can enjoy it from a distance and see what a nice experience it has been for you. If everyone knows that you're lying on the couch feeling miserable because you hate your birthday, that might be a bit concerning.
Image: @kourtneykardash
