|  | Mental Health | Stress Management

Ways to Cheer Yourself up When Everyone Forgets Your Birthday

It's your birthday and you hope your friends have planned an unforgettable event for you. You wake up psyched, and can't wait to receive happy birthday wishes. But the phone doesn't ring. You have zero text messages. You check your email, and the inbox is empty. It seems your family and friends have forgotten about your birthday. You start feeling depressed. And your mind tells you nobody cares -- but you decide there's no way you will spend your birthday plunging into self-pity.

  1. Get Your Own Cake

    • Buy yourself a birthday cake and candles and begin your day knowing that you don't need other people to validate your own private celebration.

    Turn Off Your Phone

    • Since a silent phone and an empty mailbox remind you everyone forgot about your birthday, turn off your phone -- because looking at the screen every two minutes will only bring you down. It's better to enjoy your day without the constant reminder that your special day has been forgotten by your family and friends.

    Plan Your Day

    • Being as busy as you can won't give you time to think about the issue. Go to a museum or park that's been on your "to-do" list. Check local listings for concerts or plays showing that night -- buy a ticket, dress up and celebrate. Enjoy a nice meal at one of your favorite restaurants.

    Be Grateful

    • When you get home, change into comfortable clothes, watch a funny movie or read an entertaining book. Before going to bed, relive the most enjoyable adventures of your day, and feel thankful that you had the best company in the world, yourself. Also, be grateful that you were able to celebrate the day on your own, empowering yourself to make the day special, even if those around you forgot.

Stress Management - Related Articles