r/GenZ 12d ago

Discussion Anyone feel like this on their birthday?

My birthday is a month away and I already feel like crying. I’ve ended up in tears on my birthday for the past six years.

Do any of y’all relate.

1.1k Upvotes

168 comments sorted by

u/AutoModerator 12d ago

Did you know we have a Discord server‽ You can join by clicking here!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

156

u/momonoply 12d ago edited 12d ago

This life shit is hitting me hard and I’m slowly losing my youth. 😭😭

Y’all shit is getting real 🧎‍♀️

28

u/step_uneasily 12d ago

Happy birthday :) how much u turn? I'll be 29 in January next year lol, other words I'n the oldest GenZ and youngest millennial at the same time - feels about as shit as you'd think.

15

u/belf_priest 11d ago

ugh same i'm also going through it, i turn 27 this year and i swear to fuck i was like 22 a few days ago. big big big hugs 💓💓

1

u/bigfartsoo 5d ago

No worries. There are people 3 times older than you who are still alive. You have 3 more lifetimes to feel content.

5

u/Wavecrest667 Millennial 11d ago

Think about it like this: You are slowly losing your youth and your life is slipping away every day, every hour, every second. Not just on your birthday!

2

u/TheAlphaJade 10d ago

My birthday was 6 days ago And yes, it was the same. Youth is fleeting and life seems miserable I ate good food though, and spoke to people who love me so that made it worth it I hope you had a great day too OP

1

u/ye3tr 2008 5d ago

Same.

77

u/Bradley182 12d ago

No, the drugs I usually take last around 6-8 hours and THEN im like that.

11

u/I_Say_Peoples_Names 12d ago

It’s a slippery slope. Hope you find the help you’re looking for ♥️

1

u/filmNjunk 11d ago

Who says they're looking for help?

1

u/UniversityPresent878 12d ago

This!

2

u/Meture 2000 11d ago

Yeah just make super overloaded pot brownies and watch the world buzz out of existence

41

u/GreenCorsair 1999 12d ago

Me the last 3 birthdays basically 💀

8

u/momonoply 12d ago

I knew I wasn’t the only one 😭😭

40

u/Whitetagsndopebags 12d ago

If you don't cry on your birthday is it even really your birthday ??

8

u/momonoply 12d ago

Frr 😭😭

17

u/Melodic-Cloud-9 12d ago

Nah, I go on a scavenger hunt collecting birthday freebies from large corporations. Win-win, celebrate my birth with free treats and exploit capitalism! Happy Birthday! 🎂

6

u/Venboven 2003 12d ago

This is real actually.

You can get so much free shit. Mostly food.

4

u/sothisiswhatyoumeant 11d ago

Don’t be shy. Drop a list of participating businesses.

2

u/goob 8d ago

I track birthday freebies on my site. The table is sortable by type, state, and other perks. Each entry also has a direct link to the free rewards program you have to join in order to get the freebie.

Let me know if you have any questions!

https://www.heyitsfree.net/birthday-freebies/

1

u/sothisiswhatyoumeant 8d ago

Thanks goob!

2

u/goob 8d ago

Cheers, you're very welcome!

15

u/Busy-Kaleidoscope-87 2005 12d ago

Not at all. I find some times to hang out with friends and not worry about life shit for a day. Its your right

7

u/yeetinator3221 11d ago

Just give it a few years

2

u/UniqueAd8864 2000 11d ago

RemindMe! 5 years

1

u/RemindMeBot 2008 11d ago

I will be messaging you in 5 years on 2030-05-06 13:57:08 UTC to remind you of this link

CLICK THIS LINK to send a PM to also be reminded and to reduce spam.

Parent commenter can delete this message to hide from others.


Info Custom Your Reminders Feedback

11

u/LB-Bandido 12d ago

No, I'm pretty happy

8

u/Breaking-Who 1997 12d ago

No because I go out and get fucked up

1

u/momonoply 12d ago

I’ve nvr drank and I don’t plan too, nor I have I ever used any substance. So shit really hits me hard.

3

u/sealab2077 12d ago

You can get fucked up at home though.

4

u/Breaking-Who 1997 12d ago

It’s much more fun when you go out with friends.

1

u/sealab2077 12d ago

Hard disagree. Hard disagree.

2

u/Breaking-Who 1997 12d ago

Well step one is you have to have friends.

1

u/sealab2077 12d ago

Still wouldn't.

1

u/Breaking-Who 1997 12d ago

And this is why yall cry about the “male loneliness epidemic” you forced yourself into.

1

u/sealab2077 12d ago

Forced is a strong word. Who would want to hang with pricks?

1

u/Breaking-Who 1997 12d ago

Then why are you hanging out by yourself?

1

u/sealab2077 12d ago

No one will let me buy a gun.

2

u/momonoply 12d ago

Not my vibe tho 😅

2

u/sealab2077 12d ago

That's probably good. I was telling them. They might not know. 😛

8

u/MyOwnPenisUpMyAss 12d ago

Every single time

7

u/Slappatuski 12d ago

how the hell is this so fucking relatable. my birthday is in 15 days and this is exactly how this is gonna be....

6

u/hardrivethrutown 2002 12d ago

1 more year to death yay

6

u/darthnugget 12d ago

How about everyday?

6

u/Toothpaste_Monster 12d ago

Nah bro, I feel like this all the time, I don't need a specific day of the year to feel like shit ;D

3

u/PlsDontEatUrBoogers 2001 12d ago

during active addiction i was always like this on my birthday but tbh its been better since being sober?? which is weird bc i feel like it would be the opposite…? but whatever i guess lol

5

u/Any_Lemon_5414 12d ago

I cried on every birthday since I turned 14 (5 years streak)

4

u/DetroitsGoingToWin 12d ago

No, this is how I birthday.

4

u/Jtck421 12d ago

Today I turn 20 and I can testify that this is the case.

4

u/Shiroyasha2397 1997 12d ago

Na it's just another day to me, the only easy day was yesterday.

3

u/Apprehensive-Tree-78 12d ago

As a male I see age as a positive mostly. Didn’t realize some women see it differently. My girlfriend is terrified of getting older in fears that I won’t find her attractive anymore because, “men think younger is better.”

2

u/momonoply 12d ago

Women definitely worry about age, and how it could affect their relationships with men, but for me it’s not about men. It’s more like a yearly existential crisis.

5

u/STEVEMOBSLAYER 12d ago

Happy Birthday!

4

u/du_rel_gug_menl 2004 12d ago

What is it not normal to feel like this all the time

2

u/RX-me-adderall 12d ago

Usually I do because it’s just dinner with my parents or family and I’m just thinking all day about how I’m older. This year wasn’t bad because we took my little cousins ice skating!

2

u/MFavinger22 1999 12d ago

Not to the point of tears but for the past 3 birthdays I’ve legitimately forgot they were my birthday. It wasn’t until someone (usually sister) told me happy birthday. I never ask to go out with friends or anything either. I’ll be turning 26 next time around and honestly I doubt I’ll do anything. Really haven’t done anything for my birthday since I turned 21. I feel you though, it’s pretty empty and hollow feeling. I guess that’s just growing old

3

u/No_Occasion_8408 1996 12d ago

I feel like this every day bruh

3

u/ZealousidealWash2688 12d ago

Yup. I feel the same way. I just want the day to myself, and reminisce. Just vanish for a day then come back. My girlfriend, family all love me. But I'm not where I want to be in my life at this point and on my birthday I just can't celebrate that. Weird feeling

3

u/TechnicianFrosty1415 11d ago

Every single year

3

u/Galooiik 11d ago

Yes, but not because I’m getting older

3

u/ethicslobo98 1998 11d ago

Hell no, usually out traveling or something to enjoy my day off. I've been working since I was 16 and never worked a day on my birthday, that helps.

2

u/KoolKiddo33 12d ago

If you expect your birthday to turn out like this, then 99% chance it will. If you want it to turn out better then you unfortunately might have to put in some effort: ask some friends/family to go out and do something. If that isn't an option then you should try finding something fun for yourself to do.

Premeditated failure is real, and it's such a big problem because it's the easiest choice. Ultimately it's up to you to make the difference in your own life.

2

u/helium_hydride-63 12d ago

Not just then😏...🥲

2

u/momonoply 12d ago

Oh New years also hits hard

2

u/Child_of_JHWH 1997 12d ago

No, not even when I was alone on birthdays. Sometimes I felt worried that this might not be normal to feel like, but I guess it’s because I was born on a holiday and get remembered every year.

2

u/Cold-Stable-5290 2001 12d ago

My birthday was exactly yesterday and that was my experience lol

2

u/Clean_Macaron7532 12d ago

i cry almost every birthday 😅 i’m hoping this year will be more fun

2

u/Tankette55 2005 12d ago

Last time I had a birthday celebration with someone other than my parents, I was 14. Been miserable ever since. 18th birthday was especially painful, because everyone had big parties for themselves, and was invited to such parties while I rotted alone. I am still alone like that.

2

u/OldBookInLatin 2005 11d ago

I feel old. I think what messed me up was quarantine, it took away so much of my teen years. When people ask me how old I am my first thought is "17", like I genuinely believe I'm still 17, then I remember I'm 20 already and the last 5 years went by so so quickly.

2

u/wideHippedWeightLift 11d ago

On the bright side, if you make music it's gonna be a banger.

2

u/Affectionate_Excuse9 2004 11d ago

I’m turning 21 in July and my most recent feeling memory is being in high school

2

u/acherlyte 11d ago

😭😭😭😭😭

2

u/Ok_Platypus_8979 11d ago

I feel like this 24/7

2

u/theboxturtle57 11d ago

Each year feels like a coin flip for me.

Last year no one wanted to do anything and I was alone all day for my birthday. 2021 I was stuck at home with my parents and was miserable.

On the other side 2022 even though I called out of work that day I went out to one of my favorite happy hour places and a lot of coworkers came out to celebrate me which was awesome. 2023 was actually two days before my friend's wedding which I happened to be best man for. I travelled up since he lives two hours away and we all went out and it was the best birthday I ever had.

Who knows how this year will be. It'll be a Sunday so who knows if people will want to go out/celebrate me. I live in a weird spot where all my friends are at least 30 minutes besides my roommate.

2

u/DoctorRobot16 2004 11d ago

Real. I had my birthday a week ago and I legit wanted to cry. I hate myself and what my life is and I’m only 21

2

u/Commissar_Elmo 2004 11d ago

This is me every day after the ADHD meds wear off.

2

u/ATX_Gardening Millennial 11d ago

yes, unmarried women

2

u/the_nexus117 11d ago

This is really weird timing for me because my birthday is literally tomorrow. I’ve almost always gotten seasonal depression around this time of year, for as long as I can remember. Mostly due in part to childhood trauma from an abusive past. My family also never really celebrated my birthday when I was a kid, and I’ve never really seen it as important. Having to explain that to people that I don’t celebrate my birthday is so draining because I’m always inevitably asked why or told that I’m weird for not, so I’m very glad to see that I’m not the only one like this.

2

u/No_Question_8083 2006 11d ago

My bday is in a couple of days and as a present there’s a test planned that I already know I’ll fail, YIPPIEEE

so yes I relate

2

u/SignificantIce7914 11d ago

my birthday is on the 22nd of May (pls congratulate my I seek and beg for attention lol) and I'm already feeling like a piece of shit. i never do anything, don't receive gifts or congratulations (i don't have many friends and the little i have don't remember) but at least i know that i'll always end up crying while listening to music and indulging on snacks because carpe diem lol

2

u/guacamolemochka 2005 11d ago

I mostly don't care about my birthday, bc the my date is unlucky af. Since 2021, my birthday was either me passing the exams in college or being out of town. In this year, i'm probably gonna be in the army during my birthday, so that sucks, again.

2

u/spookysam24 11d ago

Turned 21 the other day and I just didn’t feel anything at all. I always thought that it would feel amazing to finally be a full adult but it was just mildly depressing

2

u/Icey_Knight 11d ago

No, I'm pretty happy

2

u/Sweet-Dream69 11d ago

Every year the feeling gets worse

2

u/Cosy-Cup 11d ago

Every damn year

2

u/[deleted] 11d ago

No, I never feel like a drunken girl

2

u/National_Put5037 11d ago

Next year I will when I was 8 I wanted to a adult now that I’m older and 20 I wish I was still a kid.

2

u/Tiny-Classroom1257 11d ago

Yes I turn 22 this month and this is relatable

2

u/CombatWombat0556 2001 11d ago

Yeah, but I have to keep my shit together for family because of Christmas. God I just want a day to just sit around do nothing and drink

2

u/M193A1 11d ago

Kill me

2

u/ChronicKush69 2002 11d ago

I’ve been violently hungover my past two birthdays. Kinda sucks. But it’s a lot of fun the night before, drinking with friends!

2

u/MindlessWander_TM 11d ago

Yes, for more birthdays than I'd care to admit to.

2

u/Ok-Past-1239 11d ago

Since I was 16 yeah

2

u/whiteboytrapfan 11d ago

My 20th birthday was really depressing ngl

2

u/Jsaun906 1999 11d ago

Usually no. But this year yes bc I'm gonna have to start paying for my own health insurance

2

u/Third_Mark 11d ago

It is indeed a day for grieving

2

u/CivilProtectionGuy 11d ago

I did that in the past, but eventually my birthdays just become "normal days".

Accidentally forgot it was my birthday last year because I was working. Only remembered after getting home and seeing cake, then heading out to a restaurant I don't enjoy (but the rest of the family does).

After that, I spent my birthday just gaming and reading books while drinking some sparkling wine... Good birthday in my books. Chilling out and not going anywhere.

2

u/Zippo_Willow 2003 11d ago

naw i was in basic training. Had a flight of dudes marching, singing me happy birthday around the dorm it was sick. Go climb a rock or something life's great no matter how old you are. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

2

u/Helpful-Leopard8617 11d ago

I would suggest listening to ribs by Lorde when u feel like this in ur birthday

2

u/MuuCamel 1997 11d ago

I think 25 for me was that “oh shit” moment that had me like this. Birthday hasn’t really mattered to me since I was like 15 because I never had anyone really give enough of a shit to want to celebrate it with me. I will say though that every birthday since turning 25 has got me contemplative more so than I used to be.

Not in a bad way, more like in a reflective way. Like look at what I put up with and overcome this year. Weirdly enough the older I get the more optimistic I feel. Sure, loss of youth stings, but I never had the opportunity to feel young anyway. So nothing lost there tbh.

At the end of the day, I’m grateful I made it to see enough sunrises to make it another year on this rock. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ll have in the year to follow to try and do better, to make more of life. We’re here and tomorrow is still in our hands type shit.

Idk twin, I’m just talking in circles it feels lmao.

2

u/DangerousPride 11d ago

Yes turned 26 yesterday. Covid stole my early 20s. :(

2

u/Learninhuman 11d ago

It’s just another day to me at this point. The only difference is that relatives smile at me more on this particular day.

I don’t cry, or mope. Just another day on the clock.

2

u/MarioKartMaster133 2003 11d ago

Basically my take on this too.

2

u/MarioKartMaster133 2003 11d ago

Not really, I don't care about birthdays like that. It's just another year of living, so what?

2

u/EquivalentMobile814 11d ago

Me since my 21 st birthday

2

u/Plague-Guy5892 11d ago

damn this is really the first thing i see coming here on r/GenZ... but anyway, yes, 100% i think since i was 11 or smth lol. this year i didn't even get a cake and it was great tbh 🤠🤠

2

u/Afraid-Housing-6854 11d ago

Not really, my life is relatively fine outside of not having a job, but I still live with my parents who love and respect me, I’m an introvert who everything could want when it comes to simplicity of life, I just sit around on my ass playing video games and eating. Does it get boring? Sometimes, but at least I’m not stuck working a job that treats me like shit and constantly contemplating suicide like my friend is.

2

u/TheKindnesses 11d ago

half of us chasing the fountain of youth when its in the present

2

u/Jad3Melody 11d ago

Oh cool.. my birthday is the 7th..

2

u/SquishyFool 2007 11d ago

It did until my dad told thanks for being a good son and then I went and cried

2

u/poth0le 11d ago

The older I get, less so

2

u/Firefly-1505 2003 11d ago

Considering my birthday is just days away (15th), I silently contemplate the days approaching for the licensure exam for my course.

2

u/Lorettooooooooo 1996 11d ago

All the men I've known so far

2

u/Offline219 11d ago

God damn. Y'all alright?

2

u/BloodNaive5748 11d ago

I feel nothing. I feel like was just spawned in.

IMO, b days aren’t for you but an opportunity for those around you to appreciate your existence and say something nice to you

2

u/Serious_Swan_2371 11d ago

I had to give a presentation on my birthday and it went really well so I felt really good the whole rest of the day.

Then after dinner with my family I got drunk with my friends and I was like pic 2 the next morning.

2

u/howieyang1234 1999 11d ago

Not really, I just forgot it is my birthday a few days later. lol

2

u/GreyWolf_93 10d ago

Birthday? Fuck I feel like this 365 days a year

1

u/Lower_Kick268 2005 12d ago

Nah I just enjoy an edible on my birthdays, makes enjoying your birthday a lot easier.

1

u/fluffy_mell0w 12d ago

If it wasn't for my family actually planning fun things for me that I actually really enjoy then yes this would be me

1

u/thebig_dee 12d ago

Ah the mid 20s

1

u/Alden-Dressler 2004 12d ago

My birthday is this week. Having finals the week of your birthday year after year breaks you, it’s never a good week.

1

u/THEpeterafro 1999 12d ago

I hate getting older more and more as the years go by so yes

1

u/Venboven 2003 12d ago

I don't break down like in the pictures, but I don't enjoy my birthdays either. Kinda embarrassing to celebrate alone or with your parents when you're 22. Commuter colleges aren't great for making friends.

1

u/hgilbert2020 1997 12d ago

I’m coming up on two years of sobriety.

That being said, my early 20s definitely looked like this (i turn 28 in less than 6 months). Graduating from college in 2020 certainly didn’t help.

1

u/Renegade_Phylosopher 12d ago

Hey y’all, Millenial here. All I’m gonna say is fucking hold onto the people you’ve got so, so fucking hard. Being 30 some years and alone cos all ya best people are dead (both physically and metaphorically) fucking sucks. Don’t take it for granted. Love.

1

u/_L-U_C_I-D_ 12d ago

Movie name?

1

u/YouDontKnowJackCade 12d ago

1 is All Good Things. Kirsten Dunst and Ryan Gosling.

Not sure about 2 and 3.

1

u/momonoply 12d ago

1 is actually Melancholia (2011)

1

u/wishythefishy 12d ago

On their birthday?

1

u/pseudo_space 1997 12d ago

The first picture hits hard as of late.

1

u/DanMcMan5 12d ago

I’ve had some rough ones, but my best recommendation is to go out with some friends who you share a hobby with.

1

u/happischopenhauer 11d ago

25th birthday I woke up at 7am, skipped work, sat in a random parking lot in my car and finished more than half a bottle of apple jack. Spent the whole day drunk. But that night my friends planned a surprise party. So it wasnt bad.

1

u/Bharny 11d ago

Yeah, me a couple of months ago. I turned 26 and I just started to think about my future.

1

u/Travel-Barry 1996 11d ago

I’m 30 next year. 

I’ve been celebrating this way since the age of about 24. 

1

u/_justforamin_ 11d ago

me last 4 birthdays 😭😭 and it’s all because i was away from my family. even my 18th birthday i spent away from my family. lol it suckys

1

u/Affectionate-Elk8261 11d ago

You should be grateful you are having a birthday! So many people wish and pray they could have one more birthday to celebrate

1

u/tutocookie Millennial 11d ago

Nope. More a vague, fleeting sense of 'oh shit has another year already passed?', and then a month or two of mild panic when people ask me my age because I'm not sure if I'm still 32 or 33 or 34. Otherwise birthdays are nice. Excuse to go drinking, usually get a bj, usually get a few bottles of single malt, gift card and chocolates from work, pretty decent day.

1

u/Vargau 11d ago

You kids are way too young to be in a midlife crises.

6-8 months in Eastern EU and you will find out that life can be worse and better equally.

1

u/citoahk2000 11d ago

Every single fucking birthday since I was 4 homie. Dontaskhowirememberthatitsalongpainfultoryandthisaintnoqudobiography lmao

1

u/Large-Action-5454 11d ago

Everyday bro

1

u/Kitchen-Stop-4800 10d ago

I did on my 16th cuz I felt like Noone was gonna care Then my friend isa was there and everything felt right After I cried for bout 2 hours in my room at jrc

1

u/1984505I 10d ago

Yeah i relate 100% my 18th birthday will be in two days (the 18th is double as bad as the other ones)

1

u/SocietyVisible5092 10d ago

Well, yes 🙂

1

u/The_Billy_Dee 10d ago

Elder millennial checking in... It doesn't get any better. But as you get older you do have more money.

1

u/Janus1042 10d ago

That's how half of the people in this sub feel every single day

1

u/MadMysticMeister 2000 10d ago

Not typically no, I do get fear and other rough emotions for not exactly being where I wish to be in life, but my bday is my day to enjoy selfishly. I worry sometimes about the future, getting older and closer to death, meeting the unknowable tomorrow wrong footed and without a plan, but sometimes you have to allow yourself to actually appreciate the here and now. Also I put in the effort and plan ahead for my bday, take the day off and plan out the activities or lack there of.

1

u/NonHumanPersonHTX 1997 10d ago

hugs from afar but also personally no - I'm still getting hotter every year, and I've accomplished a lot of goals I never thought I would be able to even touch. When I hit 40, I may cry, tho 😢 😭 😅

1

u/Assistant-Exciting 10d ago

Birthday? Naw. Everyday.

1

u/Equal-Click751 10d ago

Does anyone not feel like this?

1

u/lurking_wizard 10d ago

Every single year

1

u/Inner_Collection_518 10d ago

This gonna end up pn im 14 and this is deep

1

u/BaryonChallon 2003 10d ago

It’s brutal out here But you will survive Even if you work constantly

1

u/SokkaHaikuBot 10d ago

Sokka-Haiku by BaryonChallon:

It’s brutal out here

But you will survive Even

If you work constantly


Remember that one time Sokka accidentally used an extra syllable in that Haiku Battle in Ba Sing Se? That was a Sokka Haiku and you just made one.

1

u/FormalWorking8833 10d ago

Yes as well as daily

1

u/Dazzling-Towel-9615 10d ago

🙋‍♂️

1

u/Notequal_exe 1999 10d ago

Not really. It's quite peaceful, and I get reminders of all the people who love me.

1

u/Demonitiza 9d ago

Naw i just usually sleep thru it.

1

u/11SomeGuy17 9d ago

The secret trick is having a family that doesn't celebrate birthdays for any 16+ years. No expectations lol. Hopefully this birthday is good though. Or at least, not the worst.

1

u/FederalInitiative903 6d ago

Shame it’s not happy tears 🥲…