Rethinking Birthday Remembrance in this Fast-Paced World

Birthdays have always been a day where friends and family write something remarkable about the celebrant – do you remember when we usually table these writings on an actual card? Now, we do this in the comment section of our social media posts. Isn't this interesting? lol. However, while this tradition is deeply ingrained in our modern society, I can't help but wonder if there's generally a more practical way to approach birthdays.

Can we maybe normalise celebrating people a day after their birthdays? I mean, if you think about it, as much as it's nice to recall the exact dates of people you love, the reality is that we meet hundreds, if not thousands, of new people to cherish all the time. Each person holds their own special place in our hearts, and we do remember their existence and often reach out to them. However, in the fast-paced world we live in, it becomes nearly impossible to remember each and every personal date.

As adults with numerous commitments and responsibilities, there are countless mornings when we wake up without even knowing the exact date. It's not until we open our social media account at night after work hours and come across a photo of someone celebrating their birthday that we are reminded of the occasion. For me at that point, I'm faced with a dilemma. Should I just get this sleep now and simply send a belated birthday wish the next day, or should I leave a basic comment on their post as if I am just another follower who forgot the birthday, then stumbled upon the post just now, when I know that I could do better by at least planning an ideal gift, or a bear minimum of writing something a tad more heartfelt as oppose a “hbd llnp”.

The pressure to remember and acknowledge every single birthday can be overwhelming. Sometimes, I am left feeling as though if I'm not part of the pre-birthday build-up, I am somehow less important to that person. But is it fair to judge the strength of a relationship based on one day? Shouldn't our love and affection transcend a single date on the calendar?

And then there are those friends who take offense if their birthday is forgotten altogether. They become upset, feeling neglected and unimportant. But should the ability to remember a specific date really determine the value we place on someone? Shouldn't the love and support we show throughout the year matter more than one day?

It was this very dilemma and these questions that inspired me to write this article.

I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Fifidiny for recently posting a reminder to her birthday. You are one of the most authentic individuals I have come across in Scotland, and I know you read my articles. Therefore, I am confident of using this medium to deliver my wish for you on your special day.

Fifi, as you embark on this new age, I wish for you greater success in your music career. May your streaming hits soar beyond imaginations and may your talent be recognised beyond the hills of Scotland. Your hard work and independence will surely pay off, and I am excited to witness your continued growth.

So, to conclude on this musings, what I'm essentially attempting to convey is that Fifi has sparked this unconventional custom by offering a heads up. This ensures there are no excuses for failing to commemorate her special day. We should start welcoming the spirit of sharing your special day prior to the actual day, allowing your loved ones the chance to extend their well-wishes in their own distinctive manner.

Again Fifi, Happy birthday today and every year!