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Posted Sunday, March 6, 2022
1y
Do you wish happy birthday to people no longer in your life?
It's the birthday of an ex friend today. I was thinking about wishing her a happy birthday but although I still have love in my heart for her I have no desire to reconnect with her. She's toxic. Would you do it? Why or why not?
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1y
2w3
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Yes, except in my case, they're deceased. Each year on New Years day (their birthday) I try to buy a cake to honor them. As for in the situation you mentioned, no, I wouldn't do it. I'd secretly wish them a Happy Birthday but that's it. The person may get too many thoughts as to why I'm saying HBD after the connection has been severed in the first place.
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6w5
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I did something similar last month. I think celebrating a deceased person's birthday, for who they were and how they lived their lives and what we can learn from them is a part of their legacy which lives on in us.
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1y
2w3
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@Saurav This 💯 ^^^^ Saurav.
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1y
@Saurav That's really cool. I knew some people who's friend killed himself and they held a birthday party for him every year after he died for almost a decade. It's like a way to celebrate his life and all he did for them.
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1y
Yeah I'd pass on the birthday wish. I know it can be tempting to reach out to people like that at certain times but keep in mind the friendship ended for a reason. I know it can be hard but you should do what you need to maintain your peace.
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1y
Thanks I appreciate that.
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1y
8w7
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Ok here's my thought process. For people not in my life, I truly wish them happy birthday. And I don't think it would be happy if some random person from their past messages them. So I let them be to have a good birthday surrounded by the people they love.
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1y
If they don't wish you happy birthday too, forget them
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6w5
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I wish everyone in my contact list, including exes or people who are not in my life anymore, because they're just people. One must understand that it's not the greeting but the mentality with which you greet them is what is important. Thus, I draw boundaries so it doesn't really bother me. And last month, I celebrated by Dad's birthday with the family after he passed away. So from this year onwards, the plan is do something good for people on his birthday.
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1y
1w2
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Nope. I have an ex friend who is very toxic, and I think of him sometimes and want to do things like wish him a happy bday, but I know that would open the door to talking more often and winding up back in the toxicity.
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1y
5w4
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I ,most of the times, don't wish happy birthday to even non-toxic people. The reason is i am too lazy to do it. That's just it.
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1y
100% wouldn't.
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1y
5w4
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No, because you have no wish to reconnect with her. Then don't. You can wish her happy birthday silently within your own mind
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1y
8w7
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If she is toxic and you are not interested in reconnecting, don't do it. If it's someone whom is deceased, and I have several loved ones who have died, I take a little time for them on those days.
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1y
Sure, wish them happy birthday. It's a small effort that costs essentially nothing, you never know who might be in some position of authority over you in the future. All reward and no risk.
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1y
6w5
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I think in order for her to grow and you to grow you should just not say anything. It will probably help both of you if it's meant for yous to reconnect it'll happen naturally. Sometimes you just have to shed leaves from the tree of your life.
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1y
1w2
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Nope, especially if they're full of negative energy, and more than likely would not be appreciative of the message from you. Why put effort into that? However, with all of that being said. It's your choice, but personally, I wouldn't do it.
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1y
I wouldn't. I never want anything to do with my ex every though we're okay with our time being past
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1y
No. A former friend did this to me. At first I thought "that's sweet," and then I realized he had only done it because he wanted the last word. So passive-aggressive.
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1y
6w7
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I do it will be my brother birthday on the 18th and every year I lay flowers on his grave
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1y
6w5
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At some point in my life, I just stopped caring about birthdays. I have trouble remembering them, and then, if I do, I feel like I am doing something out of obligation. I don't really celebrate my birthday anymore either. What I do try to do is to reach out to people and let them know I appreciate them. It takes more effort than sending a "happy birthday" message, but I hope it's more meaningful. Plus, I find people are more inclined to respond when you're not competing for "air-time." However, the problem with my method is that I don't have any reminder to get in touch with them. And so I might go years without saying a word, and then I feel guilty that I lost touch. As a result, I'm not sure what I do isn't worse than if I used the "happy birthday" method most people seem to use. ... Okay, so now for the crux of your question. How to show love to a toxic person. I think part of it comes down to what specifically makes them toxic, and how they might respond. I'm going to guess you feel you want this person to know that she is cared about, but not so much that she will respond. My thought, then, would be to send her a card. Find something that expresses your feelings, but don't add any personal notes. Don't include your return address on the envelope. In other words, you aren't making a "grand gesture" to reconnect, but are communicating "I saw this card and thought of you." That increases the work she would have to do to respond (as opposed to an email or text message, where all she has to do is reply). Maybe that's helpful. Maybe not. But I feel it might reflect the situation you described.
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1y
I wouldn't do it. You don't have to be nice to people at any cost And be people pleaser Is toxic pattern as well.
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1y
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In a way I think you answered your own question. She's toxic, so why would you voluntarily open the door for that situation. Don't get me wrong, it's great to still have love in your heart for her, but you need to do what's best for you.
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1y
6w5
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I dont wish anyone a happy bday,except family members,cuz nobody wishes me a happy bday,i keep it simple
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