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AIBU

All alone on my birthday

(82 Posts)
crazyH Fri 01-Aug-25 19:36:10

I’ve always liked my birthdays. That’s the only day of the year, when I get a bit of attention. The rest of the time, I am the one who gives, gives, gives……. my time, my money, my attention.
My bday is on 14th August. It’s not a big birthday, All
my 3 children and their families, live locally. I see them regularly. However, they have all planned holidays (separate) on the fortnight of my birthday, and I am feeling quite hurt. I know they have young children and August is the only month, during which they can get away.
I feel guilty for feeling like this. I am divorced and live on my own. I have lovely neighbours and I’m sure I could ask one of them to go out for lunch with me but it’s not the same as family.
Btw this is the first time, that I will be alone on my birthday - hence these hurt feelings. AIBU ?

NotAGran55 Thu 14-Aug-25 06:27:48

Happy birthday 🎂 🎈!

ClicketyClick Thu 14-Aug-25 00:31:49

Have a lovely birthday today thanks

Elrel Wed 13-Aug-25 23:20:35

I was going to suggest, as have several other people, a family party when everyone is back from their holidays.

Margiknot Wed 13-Aug-25 23:05:23

Happy Birthday H

Maremia Wed 13-Aug-25 16:06:56

Lovely that it has all worked out. Was going to suggest you facetime them, but a much better version is going to happen.
Enjoy.

Norah Wed 13-Aug-25 15:59:01

Happy Day before your Birthday! crazyH

petra Sat 02-Aug-25 21:56:16

CrazyH
Here’s a video to play on the day. Don’t forget to turn on the sound 😂

www.facebook.com/reel/2185932808545321

petra Sat 02-Aug-25 21:52:38

Astitchintime

Have an open house buffet for your lovely neighbours and forget the family………they can spoil you after their holidays

Did you not read the post above from CrazyH?

Luckygirl3 Sat 02-Aug-25 19:30:37

It is so hard I know. As we get older, and especially if we are widowed, birthdays tend to drift away a bit as celebrations .... part of the list of losses that come with age. The gaps need filling by our actions I think.
But you are not crazy to feel sad.

FindingNemo15 Sat 02-Aug-25 18:22:37

Oreo and Bluebelle. Thank you for your kind words. I will indeed do as you suggest.

henetha Sat 02-Aug-25 17:39:34

Not unreasonable at all, Crazy. But I'm glad it's been resolved now and I hope it's lovely.
Perfectly natural to want your family with you on special days.
So good wishes and good luck.
Cheers 🍾

BlueBelle Sat 02-Aug-25 16:41:16

Hey CrazyH that’s great news
And
FindingNemo do come on here around you birthday and
we ll give you the bumps and all raise our glasses to you
Now there’s an idea we could be permently drunk if we all come on on our birthday

Oreo Sat 02-Aug-25 16:35:21

FindingNemo15

My birthday is not until September, but this will be the third year I will be on my own since my DH went into a care home. Last Christmas I was also on my own and never saw or spoke (apart from two texts) to anyone for 9 days!

Luckily we have never been big events people which is just as well, but it is still lonely and depressing.

That’s sad FindingNemo15 flowers but come onto this site on your birthday and over Christmas and we can all say hello.

CrazyH that’s a good result for you.

Astitchintime Sat 02-Aug-25 16:20:27

Have an open house buffet for your lovely neighbours and forget the family………they can spoil you after their holidays

Whiff Sat 02-Aug-25 16:17:20

crazyH first of anything is hard when on your own. I have spent most of my birthdays on my own . But I had a second birthday with the kids.

Even though I live close to my daughter and family not always together on birthdays due to their work or theirs or mine social calendar. So we have second birthdays . Which is a great way to make your birthday last longer.
Try not to spoil your day and do something special either by yourself or with friends . 🌹

hulahoop Sat 02-Aug-25 15:05:10

Glad your dd has come up trumps have a Lovely day..

GrannyGravy13 Sat 02-Aug-25 14:57:09

CrazyH what a kind and caring DD you have, I hope you can now enjoy your birthday 🌸

DamaskRose Sat 02-Aug-25 14:54:53

You’re not being unreasonable, your feelings are hurt. We’re not big on celebrations and my DS didn’t even remember when I was 70! I mean he remembered my birthday just not that it was a big one! DD always remembers and visits with DGD. But that’s as far as it goes. I suppose it’s all down to expectations? Please do something to celebrate on the day CrazyH and then on your “official” birthday celebrate with family. Have a lovely time both days!

Grandma70s Sat 02-Aug-25 14:53:15

I think I am usually alone on my birthday but it doesn’t bother me at all. My ‘children’ always get in touch, usually send flowers, but they live too far away for us to meet. Birthdays don’t have much significance for me now. I’d quite like to ignore them, but it isn’t possible.

Norah Sat 02-Aug-25 14:40:34

crazyH

Yes Caleo I have lovely friends and neighbours, but
UPDATE : my daughter just messaged me to say that she has cancelled her other plans for that day when she realised - it’s easier for her to cancel because she was only going with a couple of friends to West Wales. A daughter is a daughter 😍 she can be a pain sometimes but she has come up trumps - cheered me no end - she is taking me for lunch , somewhere nice - thanks to you all for listening x

Wonderful news!

V3ra Sat 02-Aug-25 14:25:16

I would hate to think my family do things for my birthday because I ‘expect’ it.

Going off at a tangent, many years ago my in-laws got divorced.
Mother-in-law instigated it, then complained loud and long because my husband and his siblings didn't send her a wedding anniversary card 😂
He said he hadn't thought she'd want one!

Spinnaker Sat 02-Aug-25 14:24:37

Fabulous news CrazyH - that's just the sort of thing I'd have done for my Mum ❤️

V3ra Sat 02-Aug-25 14:20:10

Depending on where people work it isn't always that simple to book specific dates off during the school holidays, there are often other colleagues with equally valid needs and requirements!

crazyH it sounds like you've reached a happy outcome now 😊

Crossstitchfan Sat 02-Aug-25 13:43:29

I may come over as sanctimonious now but I think we expect too much of our families when it comes to birthdays. They mostly have very busy lives whereas we, (there are exceptions obviously) the birthday girls, sit at home with little or no demands on us.
I would hate to think my family do things for my birthday because I ‘expect’ it. I always make light of it, knowing that whatever they then do, it is because they want to, not because they feel they have to!

Ziplok Sat 02-Aug-25 13:42:10

Sometimes, life can get in the way, and dates forgotten. It’s not always done intentionally, just one of those things. However, I’m pleased to see that one of your daughters has realised the date and rearranged her plans so that she can take you out on your birthday. I hope you have a lovely time. I think it might be nice to also ask your neighbour to go out for a pub lunch with you on another day as you say she is on her own. That way, you’ll end up with 2 celebrations for you birthday but on different days and provide company for your neighbour who might be feeling a bit lonely. 😊
Enjoy your birthday 🎂🎉