It’s My Party: 3 Things to Consider for Your Birthday Party

Ask Alea: My birthday is coming up and I am stressed out about what to do and I wonder if anyone will actually come. What should I do?

I often hear clients, friends, and family question if they should throw their own party or let someone do it for them. I recommend considering the following questions:

1. If you had a magic wand, what would YOU want to do for your birthday? Who do you want to be there? What kind of music do you want to listen to? Do you want a theme? Do you want it on a week night, weekend, or Sunday brunch? Do you like big parties? Or do you like intimate dinners? Or movie nights? Dance clubs or a lounge? Maybe you prefer a day hike or a beach day?

2. Is this party for you to feel special? Or is it for your friends to make you feel special? or for you to feel like you have a lot of friends and if they all show up, then you will feel special?

3. If that special someone does not come will it ruin your birthday?

Take your time to think about these questions. Plan for what you want to do, accept that those around you may not be able to make it (even if you are very special to them), and be clear to those you invite that it is important to you that they be there (this means no mass texts or Facebook group invites).