I can't believe my family forgot my birthday

United States
May 25, 2009 6:58pm CST
I'm 41 today so I'm not trying to whine and cry over my family forgetting my birthday like a kid or anything. It just would have been nice if they said something, ANYTHING. I live with my brother and his family. I woke up kind of late and everyone else was sitting in the living room. I have to go through the living room to get to the bathroom. My nephew said good morning to me and that was it. My brother and sister-in-law said nothing. An hour went by before my nephew said something. He said, "By the way, Happy Birthday." I gave him a hug and thanked him. My brother was right there and all he could say was, "I just thought it was Memorial Day." That was it. No Happy Birthday. Nadda. No gifts, cards, nothing. Has your family ever forgotten your special day? How did you handle it?
5 people like this
20 responses
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
26 May 09
ya....this year everyone forgot my birthday. My oldest daughter NEVER forgets...she forgot. My best friend forgot and she has never forgotten in all the many years I've known her! My ex did remember and said happy birthday....kind of surprised me but that was nice. To be honest....I didn't care. I really don't care about those things. It was funny to listen to them all as they took turns remembering days later.
1 person likes this
@khayshenz (1384)
• United States
26 May 09
Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah - had happened before. Sorry to hear that it happened to you today. Pissed me off but I eventually moved on. Sometimes, people get caught up in their own little world - especially when there's a lot of stuff in their mind. These times are tough - and people forget because there's a lot to think about.
1 person likes this
@Bluepatch (2476)
• Trinidad And Tobago
26 May 09
This same exact thing has been my experience for the better part of 58 years. When I was a kid my parents always remembered my birthday until I became a teenager. I would tell them and they would say " Omigosh ! Its Bryan's Birthday ! " And then do some little thing to celebrate it. My brothers and sisters were even worse until I eventually just don't bother to mention it. Now, it passes unnoticed.
@BlueGoblin (1829)
• United States
26 May 09
My family is not big on birthdays. I remember not having any birthday parties when I was a child. I never even received a present on my birthday. I did get a cake but when I was older that ceased. I don't think my family liked the remainder of being another year older.
@John4Christ (1597)
• India
26 May 09
No fortunately that has not happened with me.......i understand what you are feeling......everyone like surprises on birthdays, everyone likes being gifted and atleast a hug by your loved ones.......but if you don't get either, it hurts......but i feel what has happened has happened don't worry I take this opportunity to......ahem ahem......sing for you...... Happy birthday to you..... Happy birthday to you..... Happy birthday to dear littlebeansprout, Happy birthday to you....... May god bless you......may god bless you......may god bless you dear littlebeansprout, Happy birthday to you......tadaaaa....... I pray to god that you live more fruitful years to come.......and cheer up.....
@rexertea (117)
• India
26 May 09
At 41 you should make a habit to realize relatives or closer ones might forget your birthday. My birthday was never forgotten especially when I am in town. Yes, I remember once I had to remind my parents as I called them and told them about my birthday. I was out of town then.
@rowantree (1187)
• United States
26 May 09
Happy Belated Birthday to you, littlebeansprout! I'm so sorry they forgot your birthday and when reminded, refused to really acknowledge it. The only experience I've had that is a little similar to yours is this one. My youngest sister made a big deal out of me turning 30. Every year from the age 25 on, she would write in my card a little "countdown to 30" note. So on my 30th birthday, I was pretty happy that she was coming over. All day long, I waited for my two sisters to show up. My husband wanted to take me out for lunch, but no, I couldn't leave, my sisters were coming over for my birthday and I had to be there when they did. They didn't show. Well they showed up that evening, didn't get out of their car, handed me a really crappy bracelet and sped off. So much for my "big" 30th. It still bothers me that they behaved this way. I've never done anything like that to them. I'm really, really sorry that your brother and sister-in-law are so thoughtless.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
26 May 09
Sorry that they had forgotten your birthday. You think if your nephew would have remembered he would have told his parents, but well... Happy Belated Birthday! I hope that the rest of the day turned out better for you then that morning!
@vinslounge (1295)
• India
26 May 09
Yes Littlebeansprout. I feel sorry for what had happended to you. Age is not a matter of concern for feeling sad when your birthday went un-noticed by your family members. It happended to me last year when my family members completely forgot my birthday. I was 21 and I felt sad that it went un-noticed by my family members. It's only after a month, they realised that they forgot to wish me on my birthday. It is one of the most common accidents that occur in every households. If our family members wish us Happy birthday, then we would be feeling very happy for that. If they forget to wish us, then it is we who must develop a courage and boldness in ourselves to come out of the situations like this. Do not worry mate, all occurs in the game of Life and we need to overcome these debacles with a strong heart and determination.
@TrvlArrngr (4045)
• United States
26 May 09
That is awful. I feel bad for you. I get that sometimes too. My birthday is right near Christmas so it is easy to forget in the bustling of the holiday. I want to wish you a great birthday week! You deserve the best in life!
@justmeh (188)
• Philippines
26 May 09
I don't take that problem seriously anymore cause I'm used to it. When my birthday comes I wouldn't tell anyone well,of course it needs a little bit of time to learn how being used to it. Sometimes my friends are my first greeters even if I said nothing to them they just know it all. And that would be enough for me to start my day with gladness that it's my birthday.
@Beenice (237)
• Canada
26 May 09
Happy birthday! I understand what you mean. My brothers and my sister, never tell me happy birthday when its the day, only my husband and my kids. It brings a bit of frustrations. But I'm kind of used to that my brothers and sister doesn't find the urge to call me to let me know that I still have a family on my side that remember me. I have my moment about it. I feel often that I'm the only one in my family beside my kids and my husband, none of my brothers visits me. My sister did the efforts to visit recently, I was so happy. As long as I don't dwell on it and life goes on I'm all right.
@stafei (98)
• China
26 May 09
Never mind, Happy birthday to you! I think they have more important things need to do,so ingore the day.Maybe they forget which is today.So... I need to say sorry to my parents,sometime I will forget their birthday too.But they will never forget my birthday.So sorry to them!!! Happy birthday to you again!
• China
26 May 09
so sorry to hear that.if my families forget my birthday,may be iwill feel a little sad,then go out woth my friends,celiberate myself. Happy birthday to you !
@skysuccess (8858)
• Singapore
26 May 09
littlebeansprout, I must admit that it is never easy growing up and much more growing older. I'm not exactly sure if your family members had really forgotten about your birthday as their response to me said otherwise. They sound a little hesitant and concern to wish you a 41st here, as they feel or assume rather that bringing it up could somehow affect your emotional mood. I am sure you can always assure them that it is alright with you, by taking up initiative yourself and asking for a hug or even a present on this special day of yours. You may even want to throw a party for yourself too, if you know what I mean. Sometimes as we go about being mindful, we can become oversensitive to the extent of hesitant with our good intention. So, like me, I would not take it to heart and I would make an effort that everyone be happy along with me on this special day. Now, how about the party, I just mentioned?
@flyinghi (130)
• Canada
26 May 09
I am sorry you have been forgotten today. I have to say that my family has never forgotten my birthday. We always do something to celebrate each members birthdays, eventhough money may be scarce we find something affordable to do. www.wantingtowork.today.com
@lelin1123 (15595)
• Puerto Rico
26 May 09
I'm not into the attention given on ones birthday. However, I have never had my family forget. I'm so sorry "Happy Birthday" and many more to come. How does your family forget your birthday? I wonder how they would feel if someone forgot their birthday. If my family forgot my birthday I think I would feel a little upset mainly because I love cake.
@hramdatt (137)
• United States
26 May 09
thats better than having a birthday every 4 years after and still no one remembers.
@harryt123 (327)
• United States
26 May 09
Happy birthday! I'm so sorry to hear that has happened. It has actually happened to me twice to me but years apart. I know the feeling is really hard when that care and love forget an important date like your birthday. The way I handled my family forgetting my birthday was that I said let's all stop and think what day it is today. They finally after thinking said yes, it's your birthday. Needless to say that it was a busy day as we had to go to a relatives house and my parents were preparing food to take with us.
@wendywhy (64)
• United States
26 May 09
Happy Birthday! Ya this did happen to me, my husband and kids didn't forget, but my parents had a bbq and invited my sister and brother but not me. It was several years ago and I try not to think about it but it does sting. I know they love me, most people don't express it well, though.