Is acknowledging a birthday important

My ex husband, always a funny man, would tell everyone how many shopping days they had left until his birthday. My family always bought him presents, his mother wasn't one for making a fuss of him.

Happy Birthday Greatnan and Janeainsworth

Happy Bithday Dancinggran I missed your post.

Thank you, Soop - I have had a very relaxing day and tomorrow I am having lunch with a woman friend in the lovely town of Neuchatel.

Oh, greatnan, that takes me back.
Over 50 years even. I spent 8 weeks at La Chatenellie. Little finishing school.
Wonderful little town. From what I remember.
With regard to the " finishing " : It did not work!!

DD is very good and remembers everyone's birthday and spends the year looking for presents that suit she does put a lot into it,whereas DS1 and his partner are very slow in remembering any birthdays on our side but she does go over the top with herown family,DS2s girlfriend is totally different in the fact that she has asked me for a list of birthdays for our side of the family from me and mr.glamma down to DDs and DGCs birthdays she is a very thoughtful girl totally different to DS1s girlfriend

I don't like celebrating my birthday although this year's event was pleasant because I got to do what I wanted rather than be organised. There seems to be pressure on the birthday person to enjoy the day regardless and pressure on those around to make it enjoyable even if they wished they could be doing something else. I find the whole thing embarrassing. I think birthdays are lovely for little children but once the age of majority is reached that should be it. The only beneficiaries are retailers!!!!

I agree, goldengirl. I know it sounds churlish, but if I say I don't want a fuss, I really mean it, and I do hate 'surprise' parties etc. Perhaps it's understandable for family and friends to want to mark a landmark birthday - but not each and every one. It's the same with Christmas. To me, it's for children, and the pressure and worry about what to buy Auntie Gladys, Uncle Jim et al just makes it a trial rather than a pleasure.