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I feel like birthdays have jumped the shark.
I can't Facebook-comment to wish someone a happy birthday, because EVERYONE does that. Sometimes an IM works, but with people with whom I have more tangential relationships, the IM seems strained, and it's obviously a "trying to be different and not just comment on Facebook" effort anyway. I've always hated Hallmark, and besides, in order to send an actual greeting card to every person I know on their birthday, I'd need a raise at work. And I still hate phones, though maybe they're the way to go for some people.
And yet birthdays are too cool to just ignore. So what's left?
It's a conundrum. Conundrum, I say.
I can't Facebook-comment to wish someone a happy birthday, because EVERYONE does that. Sometimes an IM works, but with people with whom I have more tangential relationships, the IM seems strained, and it's obviously a "trying to be different and not just comment on Facebook" effort anyway. I've always hated Hallmark, and besides, in order to send an actual greeting card to every person I know on their birthday, I'd need a raise at work. And I still hate phones, though maybe they're the way to go for some people.
And yet birthdays are too cool to just ignore. So what's left?
It's a conundrum. Conundrum, I say.
no subject
And, at the risk of appearing to be a huge jerk, I definitely get your point. It is slightly different, but reminiscent of things like "Did you get a haircut?" or "Good show!" Do you really need to be the 30th person to say that? I can say "Good show!" by buying some merchandise. Or say "Happy Birthday!" with a free lunch. I dunno. I really like cards and postcards and mail, but I don't like being the 30th person to say something just to say it. And even if the sentiment is there, it's still sorta just going through the motions. If you're really happy about their happy birthday why not just write a nice, friendly email or card?
Really, I think a birthday is more a reminder to check in with someone than a milestone you must recognize in some semi-public and/or official capacity.
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