Birthdays have been on my mind lately, since my birthday is coming up rather soon and everyone keeps asking me what I’m going to do be doing. There’s also a lot more emphasis on this birthday because I’m turning 21. For the past couple of months, people have been throwing ideas at me, suggesting which bars have the best drinks and trying to convince me that a night of bar-hopping would be the perfect thing to do. I’m somewhat open to the idea, but the biggest issue is that my birthday is on a Wednesday, and I have several events going on that I can’t miss. Plus, I’d rather keep everything low-key.
It’s not that I don’t want to celebrate my 21st birthday in an extravagant fashion, but parties have never really been my scene, so why would I force myself to have one, just to please other people? I’d rather end my birthday with a nice dinner with close friends at a place that fits everyone’s needs, just something nice, small and quiet. Intimate celebrations are my favorite because the glitz and glam of larger parties are intimidating and stressful. I don’t want to worry about getting all dressed up just to sit around or dance or whatever people do at parties. I like being comfortable and being with people that share my interests. Few things feel worse than feeling alone at your own party.
However, I think I’ll try to compromise this year. I’m still going to have a small dinner somewhere off-campus and invite my friends. Not just the friends I talk to on a regular basis, but people I consider friends in different aspects of my life. I’m inviting coworkers, club members, friends and best friends to meet up for dinner. Very casual, nothing fancy. I just want to be surrounded by loved ones at the end of the day, you know? I think that’s the best way to celebrate any birthday.