Happy Unbirthday!

I really don’t understand some people when it comes to birthdays. Even now at my still very young age of 20, my peers dread the prospect of turning another year older. Well, unless it’s turning 21, then they love it, but that’s another story. This all goes back to the way I live my life, easy-going and not worrying so much about things. Time is an uncontrollable continuum that we all must travel through, so there’s no reason to become worked up over it like many do.

People seem to act differently on their birthdays. They seem more excitable and temperamental. They hate the fact that they have stepped one year closer to their grave, but become upset when others fail to acknowledge their “special” day with a “Happy Birthday” greeting. They obviously can’t see the irony of their emotions. If they hate the thought of turning one year older so much, why do they wish to be reminded of their approaching date with Death?

I suppose it is the fact they feel the need to be loved by others. Does that cancel out their feeling of dread when they discover that new wrinkle on their forehead? Perhaps, but when it is close friends or family, I feel that saying “Happy Birthday” is hardly required. They shouldn’t have to say that certain thing on that certain day for that certain person to feel loved. If they do say it, does that negate all other instances during the year when compassion and love were needed, but not delivered?

This is precisely why I don’t like it when people “wish” me a “Happy Birthday.” I don’t need to be told this certain thing on this certain day for me feel accepted or loved. I already know that I am. To be recognized as special for something as trivial as living another 365 days is unsettling for me. Why am I being congratulated for simply living? It’s almost like people think they’ll receive some sort of karma boost out of wishing someone “Happy Birthday.”

Granted, I don’t mind being told “Happy Birthday” (much) by people I hardly see. Many times they’re just being polite. They heard from a friend of a friend and see me walking down the sidewalk and casually say “Happy Birthday” as I walk by. What more can I think or do but to say, “Oh thanks.”

With all that said however, I am certainly not above accepting gifts and favors from people on my birthday, I just won’t enjoy them…much.