I spent my - I think sixth birthday, not sure - hiding under my bed, terrified, not understanding why. Kids were invited and celebrated in the living room. My mother, perplexed, decided to let things play out. When Wendy Werner wanted to leave with the presents, having opened them, I came out. Lesson learned: value what is yours, claim it, or someone else will. I often think back on that.
I never liked celebrating my birthday. My mother’s was two days after, it sometimes fell on Mother’s Day, so there was extreme pressure to make it a joint celebration, with someone about whom I had dubious feelings. When I turned 28 or so (I’m not sure which one it was, even) my sister gave me a “surprise” birthday party. I insisted I couldn’t come over, she had to confess it was “my” party to induce me to show, and I hated it, found it utterly uncomfortable and depressing. It was her idea of who my friends were, and it was horribly out of step with my life. Either that, or a bit she wanted to co-opt my friendships and my perceived life, whatever.
A few years ago I celebrated my birthday for the first time. It’s extremely difficult and I’ve yet to repeat that.
I can't believe Wendy wanted to steal all the presents, let alone that she was allowed to open them! That is a valuable lesson though. People will take anything unclaimed, even credit for something you've done, if you don't say so.
That sucks to have to share your birthday celebration with another person as well. I'm lucky the only holiday that's fallen on mine a couple of times besides April Fool's Day has been Easter, which wasn't too big a deal since people tend to forget about Jesus and spend time looking for colored eggs!
I do hate surprises though, so I can relate to that. My bridal shower was a surprise, so it was uncomfortable and not at all what I'd imagined.
Wow- an exciting an arduous step! I wish you all the best and many full requests!
Thank you!
Rather than Happy Birthday, I'll just say congrats!!
Thank you, Karen! I'm excited to start querying my book. : )
I also don’t like my birthday and may have even purposefully picked my wedding date close to it so that everyone would forget about it!
How did I not know that?! I thought it was strange that you chose that date!
I spent my - I think sixth birthday, not sure - hiding under my bed, terrified, not understanding why. Kids were invited and celebrated in the living room. My mother, perplexed, decided to let things play out. When Wendy Werner wanted to leave with the presents, having opened them, I came out. Lesson learned: value what is yours, claim it, or someone else will. I often think back on that.
I never liked celebrating my birthday. My mother’s was two days after, it sometimes fell on Mother’s Day, so there was extreme pressure to make it a joint celebration, with someone about whom I had dubious feelings. When I turned 28 or so (I’m not sure which one it was, even) my sister gave me a “surprise” birthday party. I insisted I couldn’t come over, she had to confess it was “my” party to induce me to show, and I hated it, found it utterly uncomfortable and depressing. It was her idea of who my friends were, and it was horribly out of step with my life. Either that, or a bit she wanted to co-opt my friendships and my perceived life, whatever.
A few years ago I celebrated my birthday for the first time. It’s extremely difficult and I’ve yet to repeat that.
Yes, depression, not being seen, all that.
I'm sorry those things happened to you, Kirsten.
I can't believe Wendy wanted to steal all the presents, let alone that she was allowed to open them! That is a valuable lesson though. People will take anything unclaimed, even credit for something you've done, if you don't say so.
That sucks to have to share your birthday celebration with another person as well. I'm lucky the only holiday that's fallen on mine a couple of times besides April Fool's Day has been Easter, which wasn't too big a deal since people tend to forget about Jesus and spend time looking for colored eggs!
I do hate surprises though, so I can relate to that. My bridal shower was a surprise, so it was uncomfortable and not at all what I'd imagined.
Depression can ruin the best of things.