Getting old and grumpy

[Phlashman]

So, I'm turning 30 in a few weeks and all of my family keep saying I have to have a big party or do "something" to celebrate. It's kind of the done thing in the family. I've been on Holidays for 18th, 30th and 40th parties and there's been huge 50th, 60th, 80th and 90th parties here over the last few years so everyone is expecting me to do something like that.

But quite frankly, I'm not a huge birthday person and usually prefer to spend my birthday chilling maybe meeting up with family for some lunch in the sun and that's about it and that's exactly what I want for my 30th. I've told them this is what I want, but I suspect they are still planning something without me knowing.

How do I go about making myself clear, without sounding like a completely old grump?

You can't, you grumpy old twat.

Yeah difficult one. I'd be mortified if my parent's threw a surprise party for me. Fortunately they would never do this. Just suggest a meal and few drinks with friends and family?

[Pug]

I feel the same about my 40th this August.

Don't want/need any fuss. Maybe a meal with my nearest & dearest.


Nothing more you can do than to make your wishes known strongly whenever the subject comes up.

Could you tell them what you'd prefer to do (rather than nothing, even if that is what you'd truly like) and see if they can plan that for you? So, rather than having a massive bash with loads of relatives that you try to see only once a year, you could have a smaller one with a few select people, whilst opening some cool prezzies?

That's actually a really good idea.

He's already said what he would prefer to do. So I suggest holding a knife to your throat and telling your family that you'll take your own life if they throw you a big party.

That's actually a really bad idea.

[MoBiUGeArSkIn]

My favourite thing about parties is that you can invite big groups of people, even people you don't know very well, and pretend you have loads of friends.

That's also the worst thing about parties.

I got asked what I was doing for my birthday a little while ago, by someone on the periphery of my friend-circle. "You should arrange something"... But... Who are you again?



Go for a meal. Easy.

If all options fail, tell everyone you won't be around for your birthday. Lie that you're going on holiday. That'll ruin any party ideas.

Yeah tell them you have something planned then tell them it's canceled before they have time to sort something out.

Welcome to the 30s though.
No doubt your physical health is already in question as of 27.
I dunno it's a theory I have....

[Janus]

I think you should have a party, unless you don't plan to invite me. Then you can do what the fuck you like and stick our decades of friendship, you tosser!

[Phlashman]

Like I was invited to yours?

Uh oh ... domestic ...

[Noir]

If all options fail, tell everyone you won't be around for your birthday. Lie that you're going on holiday. That'll ruin any party ideas.

That's a sound plan.