My 21st Birthday is Coming Up and I'm Dreading It

Nothing can go wrong, but nothing will go right either. Life is all about taking risks and chances. I've yet to have a birthday where I didn't cry and hated everything. I still stay optimistic. 2022 was probably the worst year of my life, but the holidays were some of the best days I've had in a long time. Life will reward you for your struggles.

I've never wanted to do anything on my birthday. For whatever reason it just gets me down. So I completely understand. It's all bout what you want.

I used to feel so lonely on my birthday like the party was for someone else. It is probably the people closest to you that need to pull their weight, if your loved ones aren't making you feel special set something up and invite them. When they get the invite they will realize that this day is important to you, and if someone ruins it, you still did your part for yourself! Remember you are always important and sometimes you need to celebrate yourself, not everyone knows how to love other people, don't expect those around you to mess up the day. I believe in you!

I understand this feeling. Obviously I don't know your exact situation, but I feel this way about my birthday too. Something big and bad always seems to happen 😕

I’m so sorry about whatever happened in the past. Your birthday should be whatever you want it to be. It’s a day to celebrate yourself and the wonderful fact that you exist. Do whatever makes you feel best. If that means having a totally normal day, that’s perfectly fine! (If it’s specifically parties/gatherings you’d like to avoid, you can also do something small to celebrate by yourself.) We tend to hold high expectations for our birthday. It’s supposed to be the perfect day, and when awful things happen it hurts even more than usual. Do whatever you need to heal and feel safe in this moment. You’ll have plenty of other birthdays that you can choose to celebrate if you don’t this time around. I hope this year is kind to you 💕