Thoughts I Have Before My Birthday

Birthdays are like golden tickets for a day. For one single day out of 365, you get treated like you're special – whether you are the annoying aunty from next door or the Queen of England. Everyone feeds you cake, people are nice to you and your mom shouts at you a little less. We could all get used to it but the offer expires in 24 hours *sigh*.

Before the big day arrives, I often find myself pondering over it as it ignites philosophical thoughts in me. One issue is getting older. Forgive me for talking like your half-dead grandma, but with each passing year I'm moving closer to the uncertain threshold of death and everyone is basically congratulating me for it. Getting older wouldn't be such a big deal for me if I just looked the part. Neither is my face changing nor am I growing any taller. It's a real burden to carry a large number on your head when you look like you're just hitting puberty, though sometimes it can prove to be a plus point when I get away with paying half the price at a buffet.

Some years, I eagerly anticipate something magical to happen. But no, the clock strikes 12 and absolutely nothing happens. My life is still the same, I am still the same. But my timeline starts filling up with posts from people I have never spoken to. Are facebook wishes really worth it? Two hundred notifications may mean you're popular but everyone is typing the same damn two words which aren't bringing my eyes any happy tears. A nice paragraph or a horrifying collage of your face from the 4-5 real friends you have is nice. The rest are just mindlessly wishing another person from their friend list because a birthday cake popped up next to their name.  

Birthday presents are another nuisance. People give you fancy stuff which you will never use but you have to pretend you like them and shower a hundred thank yous. Then there are people who are a little wiser and try to escape this fakeness by asking me what I want. How am I supposed to pick anything when you're not going to tell me your budget? I'll be super happy if you just give me the cash of your budget. Money is life. 

Another unavoidable dilemma is Eid. When Eid falls closely to your birthday, your presents or cash flow gets cut in half. I have been going through this for four years. You're welcome to send me money as your condolences.