I've never done anything special for a birthday.
I suppose if you're used to having friends and getting presents- you'd expect it; but I never had that, so I don't ever expect to do anything special for my birthday.
What did I do for my 16th birthday?
I worked until 3am the next day- came home, went to sleep.
My 18th?
Worked out on the island for the weekend, came home 2 days later with a massive sunburn - made my own cake; ate a piece, went to bed.
My 21st?
I had an audition--- failed horribly; babysat my drunk sister.
No cake. Went to bed after she threw up a few times and fell asleep on the bathroom floor.
Woo!!
Anyway... what I'm getting at, is that birthdays are just another day.
Getting upset over them seems kind of silly...
Instead of being nervous and worrying about that one day- how about you celebrate every day because you are alive?
Do nice things for yourself, treat people well - eat cake every once in awhile!
Same with any holiday... like Valentines day-- show your partner/friends that you care about them EVERY DAY, rather than picking one day of the year to give them a card. It doesn't take much effort to say nice things most days rather than one day out of the year.
Mother's/Father's day-- tell your parents every day that you appreciate them, even if they're being jerks.
One day everyone you love will die--- or you might die; and then you won't be able to tell the people you care for that you love them anymore.
Anyway... it's still nice to say it at the very least, but there's no reason to get upset and worked up for one day, right?
Happy birthday!
You will be a year older and a little wiser - enjoy little things every day and be of good health! That is my birthday wish to you, alwaysrunning.