25

Before, I never told anyone about my birthday, even my friends. Part of it was because I didn’t like being the center of attention as a kid. I thought of birthdays as a popularity contest. I remember removing my birthday on Facebook because I measured my worth on how many friends would greet me happy birthday there.

But it was a disheartening feeling going to school on my birthday and not a single person knew. Even though I didn’t tell anyone, deep down I wished someone would remember.

“Happy birthday” is such a small gesture, but it’s one that makes us feel special. So this bad habit of not telling people, not even my friends, when my birthday is, is something I’m unlearning. Because everyone should feel special on their birthday, including myself.

Here’s to 25 years around the sun