In my 20s and early 30s, my birthday celebrations were grand, chaotic events filled with friends, loud music, and the kind of revelry that you only experience in your youth. I remember those nights with a mix of nostalgia and caution, much like one remembers a thrilling yet ultimately damaging romance: exhilarating in the moment, but fraught with anxiety and stress. This reflection is precisely why I abstain from posting my birthday on social media.
To clarify, it’s not about hiding my age—few people openly share their birth years these days. It’s the date itself that remains off-limits. In the eyes of my social media connections, the day of July 10 is just another day in that hot, post-Independence Day week when everyone is lamenting the oppressive heat and the swift passage of summer.
The extravagant birthday bashes of my earlier years often spiraled into stress rather than joy. I would send out invitations, only to fret about whether anyone would show up or feel crushed if someone declined. I’d spend half the evening enjoying myself, and the other half fretting over who didn’t arrive or ensuring everyone was having a good time. Despite being my special day, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of acquaintances and the social obligations that accompanied them.
I understand the appeal of celebrating birthdays on social media. I am not one of those who dismisses the “Happy Birthday” wishes as hollow. It can be delightful to receive an outpouring of good wishes, quirky graphics, and even images of cake gone awry. However, for me, the flood of messages and nostalgia that accompanies my birthday is just another source of stress on a day meant for enjoyment.
While it may seem trivial, responding graciously to birthday messages creates a sense of responsibility. Additionally, reconnecting with long-lost friends conjures a whirlwind of memories, both joyous and painful. It transforms a simple celebration into a comprehensive review of my life, from childhood to adulthood, which often feels overwhelming.
Consequently, I refrain from sharing my birth date online. It’s not that I don’t value my friends or wish to engage in the social media experience. I simply prefer to avoid that particular spotlight.
Last week, I celebrated my birthday in a more personal and low-key manner. I slept in, enjoyed a refreshing iced coffee, exercised, and shared lunch and dinner with family and close friends. There were no extravagant parties, no gifts, and no unexpected reconnections from my past. A few old friends reached out with thoughtful messages, and I appreciated each one. With no expectations or obligations, I was able to relish a peaceful, uncomplicated day.
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In summary, I opt not to share my birthday on social media to avoid the stress and obligations that come with it. Instead, I prefer to celebrate in a way that is personal and meaningful to me, free from the pressures of public acknowledgment.