Today was supposed to be special—my 13th birthday, the day I officially become a teenager. The excitement of finally reaching this milestone had been building up for weeks. I imagined waking up to warm messages, smiles, and birthday wishes, maybe even a surprise or two. But now that the day is here, it feels empty. No one seems to care, and not a single “happy birthday” has come my way.
Turning 13 is a big deal. It’s not just another number—it’s the start of something new, a stepping stone into the teenage years. I thought that maybe this year, my birthday would stand out, that people around me would recognize how important it is. But instead, it feels like just another ordinary day, as if my existence is invisible. The silence is loud, and I can’t help but wonder why no one remembered. Do they not care? Did they forget? Or am I just expecting too much?
It’s not that I wanted gifts or a big party. I just wanted to feel acknowledged, loved, and seen. Sometimes, it’s the little things—a kind word, a message, or even a quick hug—that can make all the difference. But when those things are missing, especially on a day that’s supposed to be all about celebrating, it can leave you feeling… well, hurt. Like maybe you don’t matter as much as you thought.
I know I’m not alone in feeling like this. Lots of people have experienced birthdays that don’t live up to their expectations. But even knowing that doesn’t take away the sting of feeling forgotten. It’s a reminder that life isn’t always what we dream it to be. There will be days when people don’t show up for you the way you hope, and birthdays are no exception.
Still, it got me thinking. Maybe birthdays aren’t just about others celebrating us; maybe they’re about celebrating ourselves. Maybe I can be the one who cares the most about my own birthday, taking the time to appreciate who I am and how far I’ve come. Because, honestly, turning 13 is a big deal. I’ve grown so much, learned so much, and I’m only getting started. I don’t need anyone else’s validation to know that I’m worth celebrating.
So, instead of feeling sorry for myself today, I’m going to take control of how I feel. I’m going to celebrate me. I’ll eat my favorite snack, watch my favorite movie, and do something that makes me happy. After all, this day belongs to me, and I’m not going to let anyone else’s lack of attention take that away.
If you’ve ever felt forgotten on your birthday, know that you’re not alone. But also remember that your birthday is about you—your life, your journey, your happiness. Even if no one else says it today, I’ll say it: Happy Birthday to me. I deserve to be celebrated, and so do you.