I always think like this. What comes around, goes around. If you did more for others, it'a only fair if you expect the same. Did you go out of your way to celebrate your friends?

At the same time, when it comes to your family, you should express your feeling that was hurt to your spouse and kids. Especially for your kids, they need to learn the importance of giving to others and the joy of making others feel valued.

I wish you a very happy birthday!!! I'm in my 30's and if I don't remind people it's my birthday they forget. I usually plan my own birthday and get everyone together out for a drink. Sometimes I host my birthday and friends offer to make the cake. One woman I met at a retreat gives other people gifts on her birthday. She made herself a cake and gave everyone at the retreat a small gift. Just depends on how you like to celebrate. I tell my husband a week before that it's my birthday and I tell him what gift to get me haha. He likes surprise's so he doesn't tell me when it's his birthday and I have to ask him what he wants. If you like surprise's then you could tell your husband next birthday to surprise you:)

I hear what you're saying but think about it this way, for single people, all you have is your birthday. If, like me, nobody really cares about your birthday and you don't get married or have babies, you really get nothing.

I agree with you about your spouse. That is horrible. I'd feel hurt too. The people who talk up their birthdays and demand to be celebrated are insufferable. You don't want to be like that.

p.s. you are not a twat. Some people just like to celebrate and everyone should have a day that they are celebrated and recognized.

then so am i. We are the same, except that it doesn't bother me to hear zero from anyone on my B-day. I don't advertise, i don't like attention... most people are attention seekers. I have shameless friends who love to celebrate themselves. I just don't understand it

happy birthday

See my previous confession below...

You don't mention how old your kids are, but that really hurts that they don't remember your birthday!

I wouldn't say your expectations are immature, but they do seem a tiny bit needy? If you didn't "lay the groundwork" to "remind" people that your birthday is coming up, then no one will know it's your birthday, correct?

Rather than wait for people to celebrate you, may I suggest you celebrate yourself? The most memorable birthday I had was taking the entire week off and being at an all-inclusive beach resort in hot and sunny Mexico. Best adult birthday ever!!!!

......But if you make it into your sixties or later, each birthday becomes a notch in your belt. Survival bragging rights. Eighties, nineties...more so. Hit a century, you get to piss yourself willfully and still look at everyone around with complete contemp for their junior status. Be like a fine wine, age yourself well and garner the rewards with grace.

One year, a bunch of us planned a BC road trip. She asked for everyone to go on her birthday weekend. We didn't think anything of it, so we agreed. The road trip ended up being all about her, and she didn't help with any driving or planning. I really learned a lot about her on that trip.

The following year, she reminded me on 3 separate occasions that her birthday was coming up. I didn't do anything for her because of her past behaviour.

Last year, she texted me to "come celebrate downtown" with 1 days notice. I went and she insisted that I meet her at her office. It ended up to be just me and her at her office, holy lameness! I felt totally tricked into coming downtown for this "party".

Some friends you want to hug and squeeze and surprise on their birthdays. These are the generous-in-spirit friends. And some friends just try and use you to satisfy their own emotional needs. You see what people are really like on their birthdays.

My thoughts are that you go and be a great friend to others this year and spoil the people you love.