Sending Birthday Wishes via Social Media and Text Versus over the Phone

@lovebuglena (50705)
Staten Island, New York
May 1, 2017 12:16pm CST
The phone is not really my friend. I get nervous, or even terrified, just at the thought of calling someone, not to mention actually talking to them. Also, I become hot, and find myself sweating when talking on the phone. Because of this, I try to stay away from using the phone as much as possible... So, when someone has a birthday I usually leave them a birthday wish over text message or on social media. If I manage to win the battle with the phone I give them a call as well. My husband told me the other day that leaving birthday wishes to people using social media or via text message is impersonal. Instead, people should say their wishes over the phone. He makes a valid point, in that saying things over the phone, you get to hear the voice and emotion of the other person, and they get to hear yours as well. You don't really get that via written word, though you can still feel emotion in the words they've written, in my opinion. The heartfelt message is still relayed either way... Since in today's society, text messaging, as well as social media posting and communication, is very common and the norm, I see nothing wrong with wishing someone a happy birthday that way. It is always appreciated, especially since you remembered the birthday, and took the time out of your day to write something. Now, if it's just a generic "Happy Birthday!" that I am not a huge fan of, even though sometimes I do it myself... People should be able to wish others more than that, and more than just the general "Best Wishes" as well, especially if the people they are wishing a happy birthday to are close. There are so many words in the English language, or any other language for that matter, that there is no way someone can't find more to say that those two generic phrases, or some variation of them. What do you guys think about sending someone birthday wishes via social media or text message versus actually calling them on their birthday? And if people have nothing else to say besides "Happy Birthday! Best wishes." should they say anything at all?
2 people like this
3 responses
• United States
1 May 17
Wow, I would rather do it on the phone - the phone doesn't scare me since I am the one initiating the call LOL! I only wish a few folks happy birthday, the older we get the less friends we have left.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (50705)
• Staten Island, New York
1 May 17
It's great that you have no issues with the phone... I wish that were true for me.
@Courtlynn (67091)
• United States
1 May 17
If its someone in my close family, or close friend i will say it through phone call but i also write them through text and facebook to make them feel extra special like they should on their birthday. If ots someone i just went to school with that i have on social media, i just write them a short "happy birthday" or "happy birthday hope its a good one" post.
@lovebuglena (50705)
• Staten Island, New York
2 May 17
Acknowledging their birthdays on social media and leaving a few words is definitely an added bonus to the call.
1 person likes this
@AkoPinay (11496)
• Philippines
2 May 17
Nowadays there are video calling/chatting features online so I see no difference between phone and social media greetings.