So yesterday morning I changed one little bit of information on my Facebook profile. My date of birth is 12/12/1971. I simply went into my profile and changed a 12 to an 8 making yesterday my birthday. The kind words are still coming in…
This got me thinking. What if we treated people that we know like it was there birthday everyday? What if we sent them short messages of encouragement simply because we cared more about them than just a particular day? On December 12 of every year I love getting little messages from people. It feels like the notification tab is going to blow up on those days. Literally hundreds of people clamor to send birthday greetings to me. So yesterday, a day which is not my birthday, the same thing happened by changing one simple number on my profile.
It’s nice to feel loved – actually, even more so when being called out by people who actually know when my birthday is – the people that really do know me. Some of the people who sent well wishes are people I haven’t heard from since December 12 of 2009. When I actually had a birthday. Is that a true connection?
I’m just thinking out loud here as I type this – maybe we all need to do a better job at intentionally connecting with people. Maybe birthdays are a nice day to hear from people but plain, simple, regular days are even better. Again, this is just a thought. Maybe it means more to have someone connect with you on a day that really doesn’t call for a connection – those “out of the blue” connections.
Something to note: with all of the birthday wishes on my Facebook page – not one phone call wishing birthday greetings. Maybe we need to start taking the easy way out of relationship building. Facebook just seems to simple and disconnected for me lately…
I totally agree with simple connections. lil’ notes or phone calls with abosolutely no reason behind them except “I’m thinking of you” With todays’ mordern technologies so much of the personal “touch” is lost. I think email and facebook connections without personal connection lacks something. Nothing like a smile, hug, few words, personal postage note, or phone call. These mean a lot. Especially to those without many connections or those feeling alone. To make these kind feel special is a gift in itself to both the giver and the receiver. Imagine how special one feels to receive a note in the mail or to be in a crowded room sitting alone and someone chooses them from all the others to walk up to, smile and say “hello” my name is____. and have a conversation.
Two things: One, once more I will call it like it is, you lie.
And two, I saw that it was your birthday on the home page on Facebook and I thought about posting one of the corny, “Hey, it’s been too long! Happy birthday hugs and kisses!” But I thought twice.
Agreed, people should put more into relationships to make them more authentic.
You are loved every day. It doesn’t matter if it is your birthday or not. You will always be my son and I will love you with all my heart just like the first day that I knew that I was pregnant. Every day is like the first. You just have become a more defined young man than you were that day and I am always thankful for where it has brought you.