Do you know people like this?

**Early Bird** · 12-14-2011, 11:56 AM

But ... if you throw those big parties, when does it end?

I know someone, (actually a very nice person) who, for her 40th birthday, flew out of town for a girls' weekend, with 2 or 3 of her best friends, leaving her husband and kids at home. They're not filthy rich or anything, it's just how that family celebrates birthday.

To me, adult birthdays on this scale are nothing more than self-aggrandizement. (I had to check the word online: the act of increasing one's own power, importance, etc., esp in an aggressive or ruthless manner)

**Neeley** · 12-14-2011, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by Early Bird

But ... if you throw those big parties, when does it end?

I know someone, (actually a very nice person) who, for her 40th birthday, flew out of town for a girls' weekend, with 2 or 3 of her best friends, leaving her husband and kids at home. They're not filthy rich or anything, it's just how that family celebrates birthday.

To me, adult birthdays on this scale are nothing more than self-aggrandizement. (I had to check the word online: the act of increasing one's own power, importance, etc., esp in an aggressive or ruthless manner)

Most of my friends and family do large parties for their milestone birthdays, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, etc...It varies from having twenty or thirty people over for a big cookout to an adult only weekend get-a-way at the beach, Biloxi or Atlanta. Even my grandparents still do large parties for their birthdays, having several friends fly in from all over the country to attend. For some people it is not about being self absorbed or increasing our power. It is getting together with friends and family and having a great time eating, dancing, socializing, and celebrating another year of life.

**Ponderer** · 12-14-2011, 04:43 PM

I had 1 birthday party growing up and other then that it was picking what was for dinner and cake & ice cream. I am glad it was that way. I do not feel that I am a spoiled self indulgent person and I am sure simple things like this contribute to that being the case.

I babysat in the neighborhood and bought my first car too....how did we survive that kind of abuse? lol

**larabelle** · 12-14-2011, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by MaryCarney

It's worse than you think - because among my co-workers it's now your 'birthday WEEK'. And you expect to be entertained / fawned over for a solid week!! And these are adults.

Just another brick in America's Self Esteem Monument I suppose........

I soooo agree!!!
I had no idea that people did a "Birthday Week". However my brother told me that my sister-in-law does believe in this practice. I THINK IT IS JUST ANOTHER CRAZY EXCUSE TO SPEND TO EXTREME...I mean come on a solid week to be fawned over...give me a break!!!

**Missourimom** · 12-14-2011, 05:03 PM

I never had a party either as a kid and I only remember my 13th party because my step grandparents asked me to invite one friend to dinner at Red Lobster and they bought me the prettiest purple sweater. It's a good memory thanks to a very sweet couple. With our children, we simply celebrate with immediate family. They get donuts from Krispy Kreme in the morning and they choose what is for dinner. They choose what kind of cake or pie they want as well. I hang balloons and streamers and I spend a set amount on each persons birthday.

**dancemommy** · 12-14-2011, 08:18 PM

We do have one family that we are friends with that throws huge parties for every member of their families' birthday. Always involves a lot of drinking and I think honestly is more of an excuse to party with their friends than anything. We don't go anymore- it got old to us, but I don't think they are horrible for doing it. To each their own and if they can afford it than why judge? As for me, I don't like being the center of attention so I would not like a big party. A nice dinner is fine. We do have parties for our kids though, if they choose to have one. They either get a nice present or a nice party- not both.

**Early Bird** · 12-14-2011, 10:36 PM

Well, I judge because these people try to involve ME in their parties. Family pressure to attend, etc.

**Sophia** · 12-15-2011, 07:58 AM

I didn't have many parties growing up. I remember 1 when I was in 8th grade. I went overboard when my oldest was little.(I wish that I had not) We throw parties some oldest like them youngest doesn't. We usually do a cake (most of the time I bake) get them a gift and let them say where they want to eat at. Sometimes my parents will come and have cake with us. We just don't go major anymore. My kids know they are loved. TC

**heartofmine** · 12-15-2011, 06:17 PM

I did do small birthday parties for my kids when they were younger but then we started letting the birthday child chose their favorite restaurant and we would go out to eat and take them shopping with their birthday money. They preferred that over a party.

Growing up my mom made a cake that we would eat at supper time but nothing was ever made of our birthdays. I am 46 and I've never had a birthday party. In a way I think it would be nice to have one...but I don't think that will ever happen.

**Nana2two** · 12-15-2011, 08:56 PM

with my daughters when they were younger then 12 they had a party at home family and a few friends now they would rather have the money and a bestie to go out to dinner with and shoppping.