Birthday, +-
Today's my hatchday. It's on the balance been positive, but I kind of want to package a specific anxiety from it that family (no one here) have flared up unintentionally, in case it helps other introverted folks like me struggle to communciate this to well-meaning people they love.
I like the attention, I love the well wishes, and I love being recognized on my special day, but please don't make social obligations for me that I am expected to meet. I just want to relax and vibe.
Birthday, +-
This message brought to you by loving and caring family who pulled me into a Zoom call to wish me happy birthday, used two phone calls with me to bargain for schedule, then tried to drag me to a big birthday dinner with lots of people.
No, please, I beg of you, I just want a day to chill and vibe with my friends and without my specific anxiety of coordinating with large groups of people.
Birthday, +-
Anyway, sharing this mostly for introverts having trouble sharing this and extroverted folks who care a ton and fail to understand why their introverted friend is sad and avoiding attention on their birthday.
Proper care and feeding of your introvert is important, and what may have no cost and be easy for you may be different. Doing your best to take the load off and live their experience is so, so valuable. 💜