Birthday Behavior

The Impact of Birthday Celebrations to ourselves and others.

Sydney Jackson

It was the night after my ninth birthday. I was in my bedroom preparing for bed when one of my family members came in to say “goodnight” and “happy birthday” one last time for the day. Despite it already being way past my bedtime, I still asked them for something I can’t quite remember now. However, what I do remember is what they said to me – that throughout the entire day, I had acted like a spoiled brat. 

I think this stuck with me for so long, because I had assumed that since it was my birthday, I could act however I wanted. Birthday’s specifically are celebrated for the birthday person and no one else. It’s the only day that revolves around a single person, rather than a tradition or a figurehead. The acute focus on this specific individual can inflate the heads of even the most humble person on their birthday. It is expected to be showered with affection, which is reasonable and should be expected. However, it gets to a point where on your birthday, you can become irritable to others around you. 

Our society is what I’d like to call “humble narcissism”, which fuels this ideology. It makes us think that because it is our birthday, our special day, we can do whatever we please. However, this type of attitude only makes the people around us feel uncomfortable, wanting to distance themselves from us until the day ends. 

I do not think there is a certain “correct” way of celebrating your birthday. However, it is important and possible to feel special and celebrated, while not being a nuisance to others around you. Birthdays are not as fun celebrating by yourself, so choose a fun time for everyone that wishes to celebrate with you.