Birthdays! Those Were the Days...

Your birthday is an occasion you eagerly look forward to, right? Right, because there's no other day where for once, you're the only one deserving of everyone's undivided attention! And there's fewer more memorable or cherished moments in our life than birthday celebrations during those childhood years. I'm pretty sure some of you get pretty misty-eyed just reminiscing about it! Because at that early age, nothing is bigger than your birthday. You use a calendar just to cancel off 364 meaningless dates as you zero in on the big day. And yes, when it does arrive it's truly worth the wait! You get tons of great presents, all the sugary treats you can eat, and having your family and friends joining in the merry-making. Life couldn't get any better...

However, as we grow older, I think most of us would welcome the big day much like we would a trip to the dentist! You find reasons to avoid celebrating birthdays, not least the fact that your childhood friends now have children of their own...while you still don't have someone to go steady with! And lets not forget the cringe-inducing moment where your family and friends start jumping all juvenile-like, yelling 'Surprise!'. In fact, I try my best to stay below the radar throughout the day! No point attracting unwanted attention than that's already there...

So what's the reason for all this you ask? Well, it's what scientists and psychologists call a Post-Adolescent Birthday Withdrawal Syndrome. Actually...I made that up! But it simply means we've outgrown the need for such lavish fanfare; birthdays now are more a time for self-reflection, rather than a day to awaken your long-dormant inner child! Welcome to adulthood...

Below Eddie discusses his upcoming birthday with Diana, who sums up the matter like only she knows best...