Family doesn’t celebrate birthdays equally

DEAR HARRIETTE: It feels like my parents neglect to recognize my birthday every year, and it is becoming painful. My birthday was about two months ago, and they didn’t make time to celebrate with me. I shared with them that I’d love to go out to dinner or do something together. After the day passed with no celebration, I told them that this often happens and then I am expected to create birthday plans for all my siblings, which I find inconsiderate. Today is my brother’s birthday, and my dad asked if I had any plans in mind. I said no. Then he asked what I thought about a restaurant that I had asked to go to for my birthday. None of my siblings or parents planned anything for me, so I think it is fair for me to sit this one out. This is genuinely a sore spot for me, but my dad says I am being petty. I am an adult; why do birthday celebrations still mean so much to me? In the same breath, why does my family overlook mine? — Birthday Boundaries DEAR BIRTHDAY BOUNDARIES: Birthdays are important, as they mark your time on the planet. For people who celebrate birthdays, it can be a special time to highlight the milestone.