When I look back at past mistakes, I feel shame. I think of that version of me and want so much to tell her what I know now. But I've got a DeLorian without plutonium. So all I can do is look forward and learn from past me and not repeat her mistakes.

Happy Birthday anyway! If your actual birthday hasn't passed, check these out.

http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/100-places-will-give-free-stuff-birthday/

If it has, keep it in mind for next year.

I highly recommend going to meetups to meet new people and make new friends. I met one of my closest friends that way. They have so many interests you can choose from. You can get a few drinks and dinner or go on a hike together. I can't even list all the options. It's worth checking out.

That is rough. That's a good insight to have that expectations can put a lot of pressure on us that leads to feeling more depressed. I hope you have a good birthday anyway. Do something good just for yourself.

Happy Birthday! I was left to live by myself as a young teen, and so I have had many birthdays that no one has acknowledged or celebrated. It used to make me very depressed, but as I've gotten older I'm used to it and in fact am old enough to not want to celebrate even if I could. Peerhaps try to be extra nice to yourself. Get yourself a present. I

Happy Birthday!!! I hope your day gets better. Do something fun for yourself today!

Happy birthday to you x maybe you could find a community group near you, I go to an art and craft centre and we have a chat and a laugh, doesn't really matter if we do any art of not or even what it's like :) just feeling connection and involved in something x I only see a few of my friends once or twice a year now, new times to be found x yes and buy yourself something, take a day off work stay in pjs with snacks and watch a funny film, paint nails, treat you xxx take care x

Happy Birthday to you!!
I so understand. I had to "hint" to my children that I was having a birthday. and, it was my 55th. They took the hint and put together a get together for me. Then, I went to a casino with a "Happy Birthday" crown on my head. The comments, the compliments....made me feel SO .... It was a good feeling!

I have a hard time on birthdays too, so I feel you. I always have expectations, not large ones, but expectations none the less, and they are never met. I think I gave up in the last year or two so there were no tears, but it is tough to not get the attention or love you feel you want on your birthday of all days. My parents are estranged so there isn't a connection for me there either! Anyway, Sorry to blather on about myself, I just wanted to say I understand those feelings and you are not alone. Big ol hugs.

“Sorry this was not the birthday you were looking forward to. Don’t know how your day turned out, but I pray that this year will be one of blessings and positive things for your life. I respect how you took ownership in your workplace. I can see you've made sacrifices to be where you are, since you’re far from friends and family. If your relationship wasn’t going anywhere, maybe it was meant to end. I’ll be praying for You-Hugs! …”

I agree that it's time to find new friends. Hanging on to the past and hanging on to people who aren't there any more just perpetuates depression. It's important to always be moving forward even if it's just a little at a time, on your birthday and every day.