You won't believe what happened on my birthday this year.
So my 28th just passed, and I planned this super casual lunch with my two closest friends. Guess what? Both called in sick. On my actual birthday!
But here's the weird thing - I wasn't even upset. Actually found it kind of funny.
It took me back to when I turned 13. That was a whole different story.
I was SO pumped about finally being a teenager. Dad went all out - rented tables, chairs, even hired caterers. I sent all these invites, waited all day... and nobody showed. Just my niece and nephew eventually came by, no clue they were walking into an empty party.
That one hurt. Bad.
For years after, birthdays became this weird test. Would people show up? Did they even care? I'd downplay everything, telling myself "it's not about the party" while secretly hoping someone would prove me wrong.
Fast forward 15 years to this latest birthday. Same situation, totally different feeling.
The big difference? I finally get it:
Real friendship isn't about attendance - it's about intention.
Those two friends who couldn't make it? I know they love me. Their absence wasn't rejection - just life happening.
Maybe that's what all those empty tables were teaching me. How to sit comfortably with myself. How to be my own best friend.
Like Whitney Houston said (my kindergarten principal used to sing this before class, no joke): "Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all."
Honestly? That's been the best birthday gift.