So, My birthday was a little disappointing...

[Nikrosnil]

So, I turned 18 a few days ago, and half of my family, and most of my friends forgot it. I didn't get many gifts, although I don;t particularly care about that, just a card, or an email would have been lovely. They even didn't get the hints I made at school. -_-
So now I find myself a little disappointed, but I don;t want to get upset about it. What do i do? I don;t want it to, but it really bugs me, and I don;t want it eating away at my insides.

[Saturo]

Well, I'd let them now. Then again... I'd be a bitch about it, but that might now work for you...

Anyhow, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
*Tosses gift*

[Rhyela]

Hmm, that's a tough call. Do you brush it off and continue on? I personally am usually pretty terrible at remembering birthdays, and it's not because these people aren't important to me or anything like that, I'm just not good when it comes to certain dates. Heck, I even had June 11th marked on my calendar in advance once and when it came closer to that day I wondered why I had marked it. It's my ANNIVERSARY!!! LOL So I'm sure the people that forgot didn't mean to hurt you.

But then, on the other hand, you don't want something like that to slowly build up and cause resentment or bitterness towards them. Not that I'm saying you're a bad person, but things that hurt you that you keep inside can build in ways that you don't mean for them to.

So personally, before you let it dig too deep, I'd say the best thing to do would be to talk to your friends and family about it. Don't accuse them of course. I've learned that the best way to start a conversation when feelings are involved is with "I feel...". So maybe try to make it as general as possible, like... "I feel a little hurt that some people forgot my birthday was on such-and-such day". That way, no matter who you're talking to, it won't sound like an accusation and maybe it will jog their memory, like, "Ohhh no, I forgot, didn't I?!". Maybe they'll even do something nice for you to make it up to you.

If you're not the type to confront someone or bring it up like that, something like an email would work as well. Just try to say it as casually and non-offensively as possible.

In any case, I'm sure these people didn't mean to forget, they're probably just scatter-brained like me.

[Mania]

I think Rhyela gives good advice. In fact, what you said in your post is an almost perfect way to bring it up: (paraphrasing) "I'm not upset, but I find myself a little disappointed."

[zedxrgal]

Excellent advice Rhyela! The "I feel" and using "I" is the best route when letting someone know you were disappointed. Try not to take things personally as people are forgetful.

But here's a little birthday song for you.

***blows cazoo*** /dance
Happy Happy birthday from all of us to you
We wish it was our birthday so we could party to
HEY!!!

[Sarayana]

I really like Rhyela's advice, but I would perhaps turn it around once more - instead of saying you're hurt, say that you didn't think it'd bother you since you don't normally care about such things, but surprisingly you feel that it would have been nice to celebrate. Then perhaps suggest a belated birthday dinner? We'll normally tell our friends to join us at a nice-but-cheap restaurant instead of bringing gifts, and then just have a nice, sociable and fun evening.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be celebrated by your friends and family. Especially for your 18th, which is after all a very special birthday in many parts of the world.

Happy birthday!

[Dragonpuff]

oh no Nik! You needs hugs?
/HUGS

The the above advice is very good, and I can't think of anything to add. I hope you feel better, and that your friends/family take you out for a big supper to re-celebrate! =D

[Kayb]

Step One : Get your Devilsaur.

Step Two : Slay everyone.

Step Three : If not already too late, perhaps ignore me.

[Epicfail]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I would give you cake, but... *whispers* Its a lie...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAnfG3Kf ... re=related

Don't drink the water... O_O

[Ryno]

Yeah, it is rather disappointing to have a special day of yours forgotton...

What you need to do now is, when you send birthday cards to friends/family from now on, put your birthday on the back of the card... yeah that's it...

[Teigan]

That sucks, but I too would say they didn't mean to hurt you and bringing it up how Rheyla said would be good. Don't just let it fester until it turns into a real problem.
But...Happy Birthday!

[Tulula]

Happy Birthday!

I would listen to Rhyela Letting things stew just amplifies them. I would mention it, not making a big deal of it, then go out and treat yourself to a nice dinner or (even better) dessert!