Birthday Is Just Another Day

I never liked birthday parties.  As a matter of fact I never thought much about my birthday or other people's birthday.  I'm sure I got this attitude from my upbringing.  We were a struggling working family.  Our focus was getting through the day.  Birthday was just another day.

One year, I saved money and bought my father a birthday card.  He thanked me and after reading it, gave it back to me and said:  "put this away and give it to me next year."  I did the same with my sister (until we stopped talking to each other).  My mom was great and made it clear that no cards or gifts were to be given to her.  

Her position was, I love you every day - not just birthday.  WOW, that was something that stuck with me then and is still important to me now.  I guess I don't focus on my or other people's birthday because I don't want to be hypocritical about it.  Birthday is just another day.

I can't see me making a big deal about someone's birthday when they are just a casual acquaintance all year round.  I can't see me making a big birthday deal about a friend who I only see or talk to once or twice a year.  I can't see me writing something nice on a card if it's not true.  Even if it is true, I'm going to tell them by phone or face to face instead of writing them once a year.  Birthday is just another day.

I don't even make a big deal about birthday to the people I love and care about because I love and care about them all year round.  Birthday is just another day.

My wife does not buy into this attitude.  She loves to send cards to everybody.  Hallmark has her picture on their corporate office wall.  

I do send cards to my wife because some of them are really funny and I love to see her laugh.  I do like having or going to birthday parties because, if they are with people I like, I have a great time.  However, that same party could have been on any other day and it would be just as much fun.  Birthday is just another day.

Many of you want to celebrate the day of your friends and love ones birth.  However, all you are doing is reminding that person they are getting old.  If you're using birthday to remind someone you care, then you're are not reminding them all year long.  Birthday is just another day.

If you're throwing a birthday party because they threw you one, that's a bad reason for a party.  Stop the cycle and throw them a party on a day that's not their birthday.  If you are sending a card because you're afraid they might think you don't care for them - STOP IT.  

Worst, if you believe not getting a card from someone means they don't care for you, you must be insecure in your relationship with that person.  Birthday is just another day.

I'm not saying we should not celebrate birthdays.  Shoebox would put a hit out on me.  I am saying, birthday is just another day and should not be used to show your appreciation on that day.  Take a conscious effort to show your friends and love ones your appreciation every day.

Appreciation for them every day will get them to appreciate you every day. That way both of you will realize

Birthday Is Just Another Day.