3 Ways To Enjoy Your Birthday Alone
Birthdays can still be fun when you’re flying solo. Life is a celebration — here is how you can live it up.
“Birthdays was the worst days.” — Notorious B.I.G
My birthday just passed, and it was amazing! However, I couldn’t help but think of the years when it was anything but. I decided to create this article to help my other fellow loners get motivated to show themselves love on their birthdays.
I think the late, great rapper, Notorious B.I.G., said it best when he said, “Birthdays was the worst days.” Man, can I relate to that!
As a loner who has always been somewhat socially awkward, birthdays were a major trigger throughout my lifetime. I desperately wanted to be the one who got tons of birthday wishes and gifts.
However, growing up in a narcissistic environment (heck, community!) did not afford me such an existence.
Nevertheless, as I continued to grow up, I realized that many people who are surrounded by well-wishers often have very few genuine people in their circles as well.
And as much as I wanted to be celebrated, I wanted those who came together in my honor to do so genuinely.
The Turning Point
One year I literally didn’t do anything for my birthday but lie in my bed and cry.
I ignored everyone who reached out and refused to even go out to dinner.
It was my rock bottom birthday, and I vowed never to do that to myself again.
So, I made a promise that no matter who showed up, I would celebrate every year and live my life to the fullest forever.
It Got Better
Although some people were gone for good, I actually discovered that I did have a decent circle of friends and family who actually wanted to celebrate the day I was born.
Nevertheless, I decided to start enjoying at least part of my birthday alone.
So, these days, I spend alone time on my birthday, and I also go out to celebrate with those I love.
So, what are some great ways to show yourself some birthday love, no matter who shows up for you?
Well, here are three of my faves:
1. Collect Birthday Rewards
One of my favorite solo birthday missions is collecting my various birthday rewards. There are plenty of apps and restaurants that give out freebies on your birthday.
For instance, I usually start my day with a free Frappuccino (courtesy of the Starbucks app); I often then go to Panera, which gives out a free birthday pastry. I have to stop by Victoria’s Secret for a free birthday panty, and Target always comes through with a 5–10% off storewide birthday discount.
Either way, there are plenty of places that give you free stuff and discounts for your birthday, and you don’t need any company to enjoy them!
2. Buying a Birthday Book
Another favorite thing to do on my birthday is to go to a bookstore and buy myself at least one book.
As someone who is all about self-improvement, birthdays are the perfect time to take inventory of your life and decide what you need to work on.
So, every year, I buy at least one book that I believe will help me on my journey. For instance, this year, I bought The Forgiveness Journal by Lysa Terkeurst.
I have been quite candid about the fact that I struggle with forgiving others (as well as myself), and hopefully, I just lived my last year, which is one of my main struggles.
3. Hair/ Nail Salon
Lastly, you should always look great on your birthday.
I am a firm believer in always looking better than you feel. So, I usually take the time to visit a hair or nail salon on (or right before) my birthday.
This year I went and got my eyebrows Indian threaded and got my hair braided (a couple of days before), and let me tell you, I felt so much more confident when it was time to snap those birthday flicks!
I Know it Sucks…
Listen, just because I now have a few people to celebrate with doesn’t mean I am negating the fact that it sucks for those who don’t.
Having no one to celebrate your birthday with can be one of the most depressing experiences, especially when you are hitting milestones.
However, do you know what I learned?
You have to show up for yourself…no matter what. Some years you may have dozens of people showing up for you; other years, you may barely get a phone call.
What’s important is that you are happy to be here and that you commemorate that in some way.
If All Else Fails…
If you absolutely hate being alone, reach out!
Do you have a few cool co-workers or a neighbor with whom you hang out? Ask them to go out for drinks or to go to a movie for your birthday.
It doesn’t have to be someone who you are related to or super close with. Rather, there are plenty of people who think you’re awesome and would be glad to go out with you if you have the courage to speak up.
Overall, having bad birthdays can wreak havoc on your health and self-esteem. Luckily, you do not need to have a huge circle to celebrate your life.
No matter if you are going alone or with a co-worker or two, these activities are great ways to help boost your spirits and start enjoying your time left here on earth. It sounds cliche, but tomorrow is not promised.
There is never a need to spend your birthday curled up in the fetal position. You made it another year, and if no one else has said it, I’m so glad you did!
Have you ever celebrated your birthday alone?
Please let me know in the comments section.
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