Spending your birthday alone ?

Hi, It happened for the first time for me. This year, I spent my birthday alone. Just a few days before my birthday, I was posted to another city for a few weeks for work purpose. As it happened, in this city, I do not have any close friends. So, I had to spend my birthday alone. My wife was disappointed since she is at home. I also felt very lonely because earlier, at least there used to be someone with whom I can celebrate my birthday. Have you experienced anything similar?