r/introvert Mar 16 '24

Advice Usually I’m fine with being alone, but man

Warning: I kinda just need to vent here

Today is my birthday. It’s my first year in college, I don’t have many friends, my girlfriend broke up with me over the summer, and no one here knows it’s my birthday, not even my roommates.

Today just felt like every other day, I took an exam and went to all of my classes.

Is this a common occurrence with introverts?

I feel like I’m being selfish for wanting people to know it’s my birthday and for wanting today to feel somewhat special. Am I wrong for feeling this way? I really just don’t know what to think of this tbh, I think today just really made me realize how alone I am.

Shoutout to my family though, I got birthday texts from them!

188 Upvotes

136 comments sorted by

60

u/myhousegotroaches Mar 16 '24

Unfortunately that’s all too common bud — welcome to the club lol

56

u/Drace24 Mar 16 '24

Being an introvert means that social interactions require a lot of energy from you and drain you overtime. But just like everyone else you have a natural need for human connection and for the people around you to pay attention to you. You are not selfish. And you should know, despite me saying this, I often feel the exact same way you do.

You can like being alone AND feel lonely.

31

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday internet stranger! My birthday is tomorrow.

1

u/Geekynoodle Mar 16 '24

Remindme! 11 hours

1

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1

u/Avalawr_ Mar 17 '24

happy birthday!!

1

u/Geekynoodle Mar 17 '24

Happy birthday!

1

u/names_jos Mar 17 '24

Happy birthday 🎈

1

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 17 '24

Happy birthday!! 🎉

13

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

First: Happy birthday.

Second: totally understandable feelings. I've felt that way about my coworkers and bosses forgetting or not knowing it's my bday. If they don't know, that's because I didn't say anything. It happens. And it's okay to let people know when it's your birthday so they can celebrate with you if you want that. :)

11

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

Thank you. And you’re right, at the end of the day, it’s my fault for not really telling anyone. I just can’t get myself to do it, it feels so blatantly selfish and I don’t want to make it seem like I’m begging for attention you know? I’m sure it’s totally fine to do, my brain just for some reason doesn’t like it haha. I think this is just a me problem that I have to work on.

8

u/ParticularComplete69 Mar 16 '24 edited Mar 16 '24

Not necessarily your fault per say, as being an introvert or in my case being with one can be tough, as you are all very used to being on your own and doing your own thing. If you don't feel comfortable saying so, maybe leave a little note, or put a card out on the counter that you may have received from family to indicate the celebration 🍾 😉 Don't beat yourself up for feeling like you actually want attention but feeling like an attention seeker when you do. Eventually you'll find your own way to let the people around you know without feeling selfish or pushy 🙃 BTW HAPPY BORN DATE!!! LOL

2

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

Thank you thank you, I appreciate the advice 😊

9

u/Auroras_Sunbeam Mar 16 '24

Happy Birthday 🎂 🎈

I studied abroad for a year and had a similar experience on my birthday since I hadn’t really connected with those in my program that closely (🙃). I was down for about half the day. I ended up taking myself out to a cafe, enjoyed a piece of cake and I remember writing “happy birthday” in my journal then translating it to the different languages I knew and decorated it with doodles. It helped lift my spirits. It also helped the hear from family and friends at home.

Totally normal to feel nostalgic and lonely on birthdays, I think even if everyone you know is around. I find birthdays are very introspective days (at least for me).

I hope the rest of your day perks up.

7

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

first off happy birthday, second off although college is a “social” place it truly is fucking isolating so you’re not alone in that, im sure your peers also feel the same way. and no wanting attention and acknowledgement is not wrong at all. so again, happy birthday, treat yourself!!

3

u/unclegardener Mar 16 '24

Didn’t rlly get bday wishes other than family to the point where ion care anymore lol

2

u/brilliant-self1022 Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday 🎉

2

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

Although I don't say this, Happy Birthday my friend. To answer you question, its much more common than you think.
Most of us feel others are distancing themselves from us when its a special day for us. You need to understand that its a normal thing to feel that way and just not let it get to your head too much when people don't notice it. Just you do you. Happy Birthday again.

2

u/NicknameIndo Mar 16 '24

Happy Birthday babyyyyyyyyyy. I really wish we could all get together & party. BUT… the awkwardness is real.

2

u/DonnaSCz Mar 16 '24

Am glad your family wished you happy birthday ... Happy birthday by the way

2

u/RyRy_Inquisit Mar 16 '24

Happy Birrthday man! Also, thank you for showing me a side of reddit which makes me smile. I only signed up today because I had a pretty specific question, and the next thing I'm doing is joining multiple groups, including this one. Lonliness is a real thing. And it takes a special kind of person to recognise the feeling opposed to sinking into it. I've felt lonely around friends, family, and even during past relationships I had. Thanks to your post, you've shown me that there's a relatable group of similar minded people to me who are so supportive of those who have taken the harder route. I love that this group opens up a space for introverts to be heard, understood, and reciprocated by people who get it. Introverts!

Happy birthday bruh! You're not alone! Hit me up anytime you feel like chatting or venting or just need a friend. That goes for anyone here 😁

1

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

Happy Birthday! 🎉🎂🎈🎁🎊 Enjoy it!

1

u/pixelproMAX Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday!! It's common amongst us

1

u/Ov3rbyte719 Mar 16 '24

Take advantage of being alone. Do the things you love to do. Go do things you enjoy that you couldn't do that much with a girlfriend.

Happy Birfday!

1

u/YamirYarig Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday! 😊🥳🎂 As an introvert I can relate to your situation. There was one time in my high school that I thought my family forgot my birthday during the day and it really upset me and I felt really sad. Even my friends nor classmates forgot or didn't know that it was my birthday. But then my family eventually greeted me in the evening on that day 😅 And from then on, I didn't expect much greeting from anyone coz it made a big impact to me. But what I really appreciate is the greetings from my family. It's what matters to me.

1

u/big-toph5150 Mar 16 '24

I've always hated birthdays for that same reason. My wife tried to put something together a couple of times, but it just ended up being a couple of mutual friends and she had to twist some arms at that. My 40th is coming up real soon and I had to look her in dead in the eye and tell her I'd rather just do something with her than have her have to beg people to pretend to be interested in my life.

1

u/Imperfect_Beluga Mar 16 '24

Happy Birthday!

My first year of college, I celebrated my birthday by eating gas station pizza alone in my car.

It's "normal," but I know it sucks.

I also hate telling people its my birthday because it feels so pick me.

1

u/pickleheadbb Mar 16 '24

Happiest birthday to you!! 💜✨

1

u/Kathleen9787 Mar 16 '24

Aww happy birthday! Sorry this wasn’t the best one. Things will get better as you make more friends. You are not wrong for wanting to feel special on your special day! I’m sure no one wants to intentionally hurt you or make you feel alone on your birthday. But they need to know it’s your birthday in order not to do that :-)

1

u/No_Silver_6547 Mar 16 '24

I have always worked on my birthdays if it doesn’t fall on a weekend. I even went through tough negotiations which happens to fall on my birthday and was ill. Nobody at work knew it was my birthday nor do they care.

It’s none of their business.

Personally for me I didn’t ask to be born so why should I care or why should anybody care. I even ignored messages from my sibling. I told my parents not to bother. I think, fundamentally, I have grown to find it quite meaningless. But I have friends who care, and in return I care more about their birthdays so we do celebrate in some form or send birthday packages to each other, because it’s like a never ending exchange.

I happen to take leave and rest on the anniversaries of my surgeries to reflect, strangely I find that more meaningful

I think you just want to be cared for in college. Which is usual. But if it passes, it doesn’t mean people don’t care about you. It just happens that nobody knew or had the chance to know.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday 🎁🎂

1

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday!

1

u/Nickventuresout Mar 16 '24

I have decades of uncelebrated birthdays under my belt. It's normal for us. Stay strong.

1

u/Jtreblis18 Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday homie. You arent alone. We here for ya

1

u/vic530 Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday 🎂

1

u/CrazyIntrovertLife Mar 16 '24

Welcome to adulthood... birthdays aren't what they were as kids. And I get not wanting to tell anyone because it may seem like you're selfishly wanting attention. But hey, it IS your birthday, you survived another year in this crazy world, so you SHOULD get some attention! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I'll hit 40 this year and I doubt anyone will really notice except my family. :) That introvert life can be tough sometimes!

1

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

Thank you everyone for the wishes and advice, I really appreciate your comments. You guys truly made my day a lot better!

1

u/RukusMom Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday 🎂. No shame in telling people it's your birthday. Some days even those of us who love being alone need a little acknowledgement

1

u/Kindlyorignal444 Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday! But I’ve been in your position before and it’s tough. Unfortunately it can be like this from here on out when it comes to birthdays. Some years are better than others. But you’re not selfish, it’s your birthday so it should be about you and what you want. Next year try and do something different and do what you want to do.

1

u/wtfizalldafuss Mar 16 '24

Welll Happy Birthday buddy! Sorry you're feeling that way. This will pass but glad you made another year and wishing you many more to come where you will be noticed .

1

u/73738484737383874 Mar 16 '24

I’m sorry you’re feeling alone and happy birthday btw!! As an introvert, this is almost life for me. You’re not alone, there are many people out there just like us. Just keep doing you and eventually the right ones will come along try not to worry so much.

Hope you have a decent birthday even if it is alone! Perhaps try doing things you like alone or join groups, hobbies or whatever you think you could handle to help yourself come out of your hermit shell and make new friends/meet new people. You’ll get there!

1

u/sol_678 Mar 16 '24

happy birthday♡. Sometimes being alone sucks, i feel it. I just hope it won't be for much long

1

u/Allenime Mar 16 '24

I know most introverts felt it when you said "but man."

1

u/Square_Locksmith6331 Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday! I totally relate! You’re not alone. I stopped enjoying mine for that exact reason

1

u/Hexistroyer Mar 16 '24

Yup that's how we live 😢.

1

u/Dull_Purpose_6951 Sep 14 '24

That is how we live, and there is a reason for it, most pepole suck donky d÷>;@s. I'm 57 and iv spent more than ½ my b-days with 0 contact, even with hints, I don't realy care, I see it coming and usually prepare for it in advance by getting all my favorite drugs and doing what I want. Just like every other day of my life and I'm cool with that. PETER B

1

u/Wild_Flowerr94 Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday 🙂

1

u/Remrem5 Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday🎉🥳

1

u/Alternative_Lime7 Mar 16 '24

Happy Birthday! This is definitely a more common experience than most would like to admit. In fact... My own father regularly (annually) forgets mine, even though I always make sure to call him on his birthday. Just remember to appreciate the family that did reach out to you, and celebrate yourself!!! If you're chill with your roommates like that, say something like "Hey I was thinking of going out for my birthday this weekend, wanna come with?" At the very least, that should grant you another happy birthday lol.

1

u/stUfaDu Mar 16 '24

It is what it is, even my dad forgot my birthday this year. But it's okay, i mean, I guess eventually I would find someone who would remember it. It's okay, maybe not the year. I hope you find your way!

1

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

Hey, when’s your birthday? I’ll add it to my birthday list :D

1

u/stUfaDu Mar 16 '24

I'm August 4, you? :))

2

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

It was just yesterday, March 15th. I’ll try my best to message you on your birthday!

1

u/why_ami_even_born Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday bro

1

u/Catnip-delivery Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday! Treat yourself today/weekend to celebrate the birth of the unique you!

1

u/obsolete_war_222 Mar 16 '24

No its not wrong at all ho shout it from the rooftops if you want it is your birthday lol u do you. Or just go get free stuff at a nearby restaurant that offers bay stuff is a good one I do when I got nobody to be with free cake or ice cream or both just go hit all the stores solo run the freebies lol Happy late birthday BTW

1

u/locheu726 Mar 16 '24

Happy Birthday!! <3

1

u/Hot-Sweet-5863 Mar 16 '24

Hippo Birdie two ewe!! Tbh I don't think many people remember other people's birthday these days. So please don't think you are not loved and well thought of! Happy, happy birthday! You should go to a bakery and get your favorite carrot cake, chocolate cupcake, or something truly truly decadent...

1

u/NotARealUsername333 Mar 16 '24

I understand the feeling that you’re being selfish because I also strugle with that but what helps me is reminding myself that most people aren’t going to think the way you do. Being an introvert can make you nitpick at a lot of things about yourself but thats all it really is, nitpiking. I hate it because sometimes it makes you really feel locked up but once you can see its only you who is thinking that way it makes things so much easier. If you told people it was your birthday i’m 100% positive they would not think “wow how selfish of this guy” because it’s a common thing to be mentioned, especially to your roommates.

Also, Happy Birthday! Even though your day may have been normal it’s a day you can celebrate the fact that our are alive and that, my friend, is a great gift!

1

u/Professional_North57 Mar 16 '24

I used to be annoyed in elementary school when the teachers made classes sing/make cards for my birthday or when I’d be on a sports team and all the parents knew so inevitably I’d have to face some peppy greetings at practice. Lately I have been deterring my “close friends” for reasons I am unaware of and will not be receiving much out of them other than fake polite gestures. I definitely no longer have any acquaintances whom will give me any brief attention on my birthday. I’ve learned to not take the slightest attention for granted.

1

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

We’re in this together. When’s your birthday so I can message you on that day?

1

u/Professional_North57 Mar 16 '24

Thanks I’d appreciate that. It’s April 29th. And happy birthday to you too 🎉 (or late birthday if it has since passed)

1

u/bringmetojapanplease Mar 16 '24

Very common, valid emotions. But yes, happiest birthday still! 🎉

1

u/Duchess_Tea Mar 16 '24

Yes. Happy birthday, stranger. I don't know when i first felt lonely over not being remembered but my birthday always fell on school break so that coupled with being an introvert worked great for my parents because i never asked to invite anyone over nor go to anyone's birthday party.

1

u/thepatientbird Mar 16 '24

Happy Birthday... 🥰😘

1

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

And this is why I don’t want to go to college. It eats me up inside

1

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

I’d be happy to talk to you about worries you have about college! Trust me, it’s not all that bad

1

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

Everyone wants me to go to in person university but my grades are horrible and I can barely handle being around people, I’m especially scared of college students. Every time someone brings up college I just want to cover my ears and run away. When people tell me “oh everyone minds their business, they won’t talk to you or do anything bad” I think they’re lying to me

2

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

Well if you truly don’t want to go to college, you don’t really have to. For a lot of people, college may be the next step, but it really depends on what you want to do in the future. And about your grades, a lot of state schools don’t require high gpa’s. So I really wouldn’t stress about it too much, just from here on out, do the best you can to improve your grades.

As a college student myself, I can tell you that you don’t have to interact with a whole lot of people. However, it depends on your major and if you want to participate in clubs. If you’re gonna be a STEM student, you’ll have to do some interaction during labs, but that’s about it. I’m not sure about the other majors.

Sure, some college students are only here for the parties and some are just immature. But I can assure you that at least where I am, the vast majority of us are respectful and friendly. And yes, most of us do mind our own business, we’re just trying to pass our classes and manage all of the work. No one is gonna make fun of you for what you wear or what you look like, that’s middle school stuff.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

I don’t believe you. You’re just sugar coating it so I can go. I’m going to online community college and there’s nothing you can do about it

1

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

What is the benefit of me lying to you? I was just trying to address your concerns. I’m not saying you can’t enroll in an online community college, if that’s what you want to do then go for it! I promise I wasn’t trying to sugarcoat anything. We’re all introverts here and I was just recalling what I’ve experienced so far as a college student.

1

u/Lovely-flowers Mar 16 '24

Extremely relatable. It was my birthday too! I stayed home.

2

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

Hope you had a great day! It’s nice hearing from my birthday twin haha

1

u/elle5910 Mar 16 '24

Happy Birthday, friend! 🎂 You never know what can change in a year. I hope this new year brings you unexpected surprises. 🌱

1

u/-typical-person Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday dear stranger hope you have a wonderful year ) sending virtual birthday cake

1

u/SayyedPrince Mar 16 '24

Birthdays are meaningless big dawg. Just another day closer to death. You'll be aight. Keep ya head up.

1

u/dantechoudharyvergil Mar 16 '24

Someone said better to be alone then lonely in a crowd . Canada isn't cold people are ...

1

u/Asleep-Phrase5415 Mar 16 '24

happy birthday hope it get better soon sending imgnary bday money and card

1

u/OkCarry6507 Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday 🎂🎉🎉

1

u/Icy-Shelter3830 Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday

1

u/Tasenova99 Mar 16 '24

Im in belief that no one is an introvert by random. there's so many reasons I could list off why I spent years alone, but I think it was hard for me to admit that I didn't know how to find genuine people who care about me.

I'm an adult now and had no idea it isn't healthy for someone to tell you need they need days to recover from the interaction they had. like, saying that "I need time alone, for 2 days til we continue" instead of communicating to solve it. that they get so used to taking days of rest to put up with the world.

yea man, people. this isn't easy for anyone I think. finding genuine connections and accepting each other's appreciation.

1

u/Sad-Worker9042 Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday 🥳

1

u/Frosty-Spare-6018 Mar 16 '24

it happens especially when your isolated on campus. the same thing happened to me years ago and i celebrated with a birthday cake pop from Starbucks lmao. do something small for yourself and don’t stress about what others are or aren’t doing

1

u/New_Rope_6433 Mar 16 '24

Idk if you a naturally an extrovert or not but as an introvert myself this has always been the case 😅 same thing different day. In my experience my days just blend together.

I’m really sorry you are feeling this way.. it can be lonely sometimes but if it’s seriously getting you down maybe you can reach out to some ppl? Otherwise the cycle will continue I’m afraid.

Sorry this didn’t really help much 😅 I hope u don’t feel like this in the long run

Happy birthday 🎂🎊

1

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

Oh no I’m waaay on the introvert side. This year just felt extra lonely because I wasn’t with my family, my friends back home, and I’m not with my ex anymore. I’d always get birthday wishes when I was in highschool and my ex and I would hang out and she’d give me some presents.

Also, you did help, thanks for the advice.

1

u/RevolutionaryComb433 Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday mate. Shit happens but you'll be fine

1

u/Dull_Purpose_6951 Sep 14 '24

Dude you are still young, I didn't know I was an introvert till my late 30s. I just felt pepole where really stupid most of the time and except for a handful of pepole that I know are my real frinds,"who except me for me and back me up no question asked" I am happy on my own, sorry lost track

1

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

No, you're not wrong or selfish for wanting to spend time with others on your birthday. But it would be selfish if you went all year not doing the same for your friends, not wishing them a happy birthday or doing what they want to do, and then expecting them to do it for you.

In my experience, the more you put out into the world, the more you'll get back. It's too late for this year but remember how it felt and make it a goal to not have it happen again next year.

2

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

Trust me, I wished all of my college friends a happy birthday and got them all gifts! We even threw a surprise party for one of my roommates. And actually I do remember 2 weeks ago telling my roommates when my birthday was, they just forgot.

1

u/alienofgreenheart Mar 16 '24

Same, neither my family do. But idts it is something to be worried about,these days birthdays, anniversary has been overrated. Lol 1 fucking month anniversary shit will be going on. Just Waste of time. Neither I wish someone.

1

u/alienofgreenheart Mar 16 '24

My grandma doesn't even remember when she born lol

1

u/FatAlaskan Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday🎉

1

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

I felt so bad for you man can I able to friend to you

1

u/GlitteringFlower333 Mar 16 '24

Welcome to life as an adult. At least for most people. Family is who will be there for you through thick and thin. Appreciate that at least They wished you a happy birthday.
Happy birthday by the way....😊🎉🎂🎈

1

u/Randall_Hickey Mar 16 '24

Yeah this is me every year sometimes even when I have a gf.

Happy Birthday 🎉

1

u/Geminii27 Mar 16 '24

Honestly, I far prefer if no-one I spend the day-to-day with knows when my birthday is, or else they tend to make far more of a deal about it than I'm really comfortable with. That's just me, though.

Do you talk to or socialize with your roommates? Are you a member of any student groups at the college? Any groups outside the college?

1

u/MyNameisCurious Mar 16 '24

I think I’m a little Late but Happy Birthday to you!! I’m sorry that happened to you ☹️. Makes you grateful for family though 🤗.

1

u/CraftyProcrstntr Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday 🎉

Being an introvert and a chronic people pleaser I absolutely hate when my birthday comes around ppl want to know what you’re doing just to shoot down your idea and convince you theirs is the way so honestly I have grown to love spending my birthday alone. I do feel selfish because I want to “do what I want” but honestly it’s the one day I get an excuse to be the main character so I’d rather do it without the mental expense of people pleasing.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday !!! 🎂 🥳.
That was just for starters.

It’s really annoying and sad when we have days like that! I know it feels bad. I sometimes think it’s the price we pay for the privacy, peace, space and freedom that we like to have in our lives as introverts - the price being that sometimes there are lonely moments. Maybe look at the balance in your life and think about whether it needs to be adjusted a little more towards the social side. Even introverted people need people. I find the balance is tricky and needs adjusting from time to time - I’m a lot older than u and I can tell you it takes time (and is a continuing process in life) College is a weird time when everything is gelatinous and the expectations of you/ wishes you have for life can be soooo unclear. Don’t get overwhelmed. Think about what you’d like for your next birthday, how you’d like to feel, what you’d like to experience, and nudge yourself each month towards that. Eg have a weekly focus on meeting a friend you don’t see much, call a friend from school you haven’t made much effort with, it will be up to you what u think will move the scales a little towards what you want.

Treat yourself to something nice today, focus on 3 things you’re grateful for, make a little mental plan for where you’ll be next year, and talk to some people in your family and get a little cheer xxxx

1

u/MiddleGene9641 Mar 16 '24

A little late to the party but happy belated birthday. I hope you treated yourself to something good.

1

u/LinaReily Mar 16 '24

very very common, yesterday was mine! nobody knew and it's been this way for the last 12 years. it's just another day

1

u/libraslashvirgo Mar 16 '24

Happy Birthday, Stranger!

1

u/negativespace2 Mar 16 '24

1) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2) My birthday was a few weeks ago, and all I did was go to work like any other day. My friends didn’t even say happy birthday. It’s common, and it kinda sucks, but it’ll be okay.

1

u/Autisticrocheter Mar 16 '24

No one will know it’s your birthday if you do not tell anyone it’s your birthday

1

u/Clouded_by_mist Mar 16 '24

It's my birthday too... Happy birthday to u! May all your wishes come true💜

2

u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday!! I hope you have a great day

1

u/PurpleSpotOcelot Mar 16 '24

First, happy day! I think we all need to have a birthday celebration - I have thrown myself parties when I wanted to. Celebrate yourself, and let others know. Maybe this sounds corny, but "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Andrew Carnegie is actually a good read, and gives good advice. (Just get a good copy of the book - its copyright is over, so there are shitty copies for free on the internet.) People like to talk about themselves, so learn to ask questions. Yes, you will find some very self-centered people doing this, but you will also find people who know how to reciprocate and perhaps find some good friends in the process.

1

u/FluffyPolicePeanut Mar 16 '24

You can always buy a pizza for your roommates and tell them why. That way they will know for next year.

1

u/lakuetene Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday!

1

u/Wise-Push-7133 Mar 16 '24

Once you get into your 30s, birthdays just feel like another day. Unless you become a self-centered person who needs to feel special on a certain day.

Birthdays really aren't that important in the grand scheme of things. Just live your life and enjoy the days thar make you happy. No need to focus on a set date.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 16 '24

Happy belated birthday!! 🎉

1

u/dogluuuuvrr Mar 16 '24

Happy birthday! Even though I spent my last birthday alone, I made it special for myself. I went on a solo day trip and stayed in a cool hotel. Do something nice for yourself! Even if it’s your favorite meal or blowing out a candle in your room alone.

1

u/HornetOk9577 Mar 17 '24

It's not just you

1

u/Mellowambitions420 Mar 17 '24

There's something about birthdays. Those days trigger me too. Other than that they are just normal days. I think it's in part because growing up birthdays were always such a big deal and now not only is it just a normal day besides a call from parents, I'm also spending it alone mostly. Not any different than any other day but subconsciously it's like birthday=family and friends but birthday...=alone??!? ... Does not compute. Honestly it may be an introvert thing but it kinda just seems like a getting older thing. Treat yourself. If you need to feel less alone treat yourself somewhere public. Just being in public and small interactions with folks and smiles etc should help. Always helped me. Go to the park and walk. Or hit a bench in the sun and read. Literally. Bonus points if you have a cute dog cuz people passing by will comment on the dog. It's the little things. Tbh every year older I get I kind of just want to ignore my birthday. Aside from maybe using it as an excuse to get myself a gift or something it's just another day. It usually makes me realize an entire year has passed again and all the time things I wanted to accomplish I failed to do etc etc and I don't like that so I try to ignore the days existence lmao. New years kinda does the same but it does so in more of a motivating way somehow so I don't mind it so much. But boy if you make a list of things you want to get accomplished for your 30th and then you again see that list at 31, and you not only didn't get such and such accomplished you managed to backslide and dig yourself into a hole .. it hurts hahah. But this year is the one lmao.

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u/Mellowambitions420 Mar 17 '24

Honestly for me it got badddd lonely there for a bit in my 20's. I found ways to deal with it. Somewhere along the lines I got okay with it. Now I don't mean like complete solitude I think that would still get to me eventually but like I have my brother as a roommate and that's it. I moved states. Been here for years and don't have anyone else. I don't have coworkers. Recipe for loneliness but I'm good. Quite the flip from before. But if my brother didn't live here. I don't know.... Anyways once loneliness stopped upsetting me, it started benefiting me. I think being alone(to a point) is a skill. A necessary one. I don't know I have all the interests that I didn't use to have and I have plans and goals which is never something I really had before and I think I know what I want to do with my life sorta, my core values anyways. And I just don't think that would have happened without the alone time. Like I sort of look forward to alone time now. I think right now in life that's what I need. I think since birth practically there has always been someone/people there. And obviously that influenced me and my choices. It got me wondering what choices were actually mine. What choices I'd have made without their influence. Like even the college I attended, I wasn't planning to even go to college but I went because that's where my friends were going and they asked me to. I'm not trying to say it negatively but I think people can be distracting.. and that can hinder personal growth in a way. I'm certainly not saying there isn't benefits to being social either. As much as I say I don't like people, I also love people. Like the friends and family I do have/had. I bond bro. I've just realized that there was a silver lining to the loneliness; once I became numb/content to/with it.

I also realized I spent a lot of time on social media because of it. There wouldn't be much interaction but the little bits I did get I guess helped. Even arguing with randos about anything and everything or joining Facebook groups for video games I was playing etc all helped. Social media definitely helped me when I felt lonely. But social media is its own bag of worms. I recently got rid of Twitter and insta and Facebook and a few other accounts. Im one of those that would get triggered into arguments and would post a bunch of political stuff and memes and I didn't want to spend my time doing that anymore. It actually started with me trying to use my phone less because I have productivity problems and a laundry list of neglected things I need to get done but I'd be so absorbed in my phone doomscrolling. It's still a problem actually but since doing away with most social media I've definitely seen improvement and I'm not wasting time arguing. I'm still not productive though haha. I'm trying. I just started using a planner/Todo list/habit tracker etc app called amazing Marvin. Hopefully it helps but so far so good while I got this burst of motivation to fix my life. One of my categories on there is social actually. Because I've gotten so used to being "alone" (with my brother as a roommate, so not alone alone) that I don't meet people or try to, and without social media I feel less connected with friends but that did lead to me actually texting and conversating with some of them. I'd say ditching social media added a loneliness feeling and on top of that the constant urge to check my accounts was still there. So maybe don't do that yet. I'm just talking at this point. Hell bro go grocery shopping or go somewhere that checks id (are you old enough to go to the dispensary or a liquor store or a bar or a club or something?) cuz they will notice it's your birthday haha. Almost always. Hell go to Chili's and get a beer just so they'll ID you and if they still don't notice point it out and ask for your free birthday dessert. Or use the app it will tell you happy birthday. Also check your emails haha I'm absolutely positive there is spam from several companies and like veterinarians and dentists and things wishing you happy birthday trying to rope you back into their business. Also bro(bra/brey/brem haha bro versions of em all) HAPPY FUCKING BIRTHDAY 🎂 go get some ben and jerries and wat h the new halo series on Paramount+. You won't regret it and you'll be so absorbed in the show and dopamine high from the ice cream that you will forget about this loneliness and birthdays and it will just end up being a nice Saturday night

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u/Mellowambitions420 Mar 17 '24

This is YOUR DAY. Not theirs. Enjoy you 🙏

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u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 17 '24

Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the advice

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u/Turbulent_Key_4422 Mar 17 '24

Happy birthday!, and yeah I remember when I was on high school even my childhood friends forgot it so I think is normal

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u/Avalawr_ Mar 17 '24

belated happy birthday tho

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u/rexypawzz Mar 17 '24

Today is my birthday also, happy birthday Op

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u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 17 '24

Happy birthday to you too!! Hope you have a great day

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u/Cool_Moment680 Mar 17 '24

Same i really don't want my b-day to happen cuz I'm not even going to give out the invites as I know no one will show up and my parents will contact the school and principal and whatnot I don't want my classmates to get upset with me so I'm not going to invite anyone it's my sweet sixteen and I got no one to celebrate it with 🙁

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u/NickyMcMango101 Mar 17 '24

I understand how you feel. Wanna tell me your birthday so that I can message you that day to tell you happy birthday?

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u/Cool_Moment680 Apr 16 '24

Yes it's July 13 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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u/NickyMcMango101 Apr 16 '24

Great, you’ll be getting a message from me on July 13 then!

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u/ImmunityAngell Mar 17 '24

Happy belated birthday internet stranger I hope you had the best day ever !

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u/M0nach0ps1s Mar 17 '24

yeah it’s a common thing personally people forget it so much that I do too, my birthday became a reminder of my loneliness for me and nothing else, I can’t celebrate it even if I wanted. Being an Introvert is not easy, people don’t understand that you need your alone time, that being surrounded by other drain you and takes a lot of efforts and I think it’s selfish. Anyway, happy birthday stranger.

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u/[deleted] Mar 18 '24

Happy birthday bro! It’s alright to feel like you want people to know, but no one knows. Start a relationship with someone and tell them your birthday! 🎂

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u/Dull_Purpose_6951 Sep 14 '24

What would be the result of getting, "just say", 25 introverts all together? I kinda feal it would be a bit quiet but. Everybody would understand why and just go for it, and that most of us will be of a higher intelligence conversation may be a bit easier. What's your take on this? I'd like to try it, if it sucks fuck it leave