Do you like “happy birthday” being sung to you?

Question

Honestly, I can't say that I ever liked it. I don’t like being put on the spot, even if it's just a few people singing it to me. I think it’s really sweet, but it makes me feel awkward.

My 20th birthday is tomorrow, and I'm
planning to just do something small with my
boyfriend. But next week on mother's day, is
also my dad's birthday, so we will combine
our birthdays. It's just going to be a small
family gathering, but even with family, I don't
like the attention lol. I’m dreading it.

Is anyone else like this? Or do you just love it?

Lliam · Accepted Answer

Sure. It's a sweet tribute.

At the time of my 50th birthday, my wife and I were members of a nondenominational, Unitarian Universalist congregation. After the service, my wife arranged a surprise party for me. She invited about a dozen of my favorite friends.

There was one lady named Janis Martin who was fairly new to the congregation. I didn't know her well but I liked her. My wife invited her.

When my wife brought out the cake, everyone was holding a placard with a letter on it. All together, the spelled Happy Birthday and my name.

When they started singing Happy Birthday, there was a voice that stood out. I'm a musician and have a good ear. It was the voice of an angel, clear and perfect. It was Janis. She wasn't trying to sing strongly or impress anyone, but I never heard anything so beautiful.

I found out that she was a retired, renowned opera singer.
http://www.bruceduffie.com/martin.html

I was never into opera, but I gained a new appreciation for the craft. I will never forget my 50th birthday party for the honor and privilege of hearing Janice sing just for me.

While she was living in our area, I heard her sing many more times at events. By that time, she enjoyed singing show tunes and hamming it up.

When I was a kid, I loved the Sheriff John who had a daily show on KTTV in Los Angeles from July 18, 1952, to July 10, 1970, on two separate series, Sheriff John's Lunch Brigade and Sheriff John's Cartoon Time.

Parents could submit the name of their children to be announced on their birthdays.
He had a birthday song...

https://www.youtube.com/embed/CD79iZs0nhk

I never forgot that song and have sung it for older friends later in my life. I just sing part of the lyrics.

Put another candle on your birthday cake
Your birthday cake, your birthday cake
Put another candle on your birthday cake
You're another year old today

We’ll have some pie and sandwiches
And chocolate ice cream too
We’ll sing and play the day away
And one more thing I’m gonna do

I’ll blow out the candles on my birthday cake
And when I do, a wish I’ll make
Put another candle on my birthday cake
I’m another year old today

Happy Birthday to You
You’re another year old today.
🤣🤣🤣

NathanDavis · Accepted Answer

nope, not at all... I was an extremely shy kid and I have never ever liked to be the center of attention either, in fact... my last birthday party was when I turned 9 years old if I remember correctly, lol

not only that, the happy birthday tune always sounded a bit strange to me, because I am used to the Mexican version which is called "Las Mañanitas" and that is way more vivid and enthusiastic, it's an actual song to celebrate and not just a simple tune

nowadays, if anything... I just have some dinner with some friends and only if they're in the mood or have time to take me out... luckily for me, we have not done it in the last five years or so

Aerissa_Jade · Accepted Answer

I really hate it at a restaurant when all the servers come over and sing it, as it is my birthday today. Happy birthday to us... lol.

I'm glad no one did that when I was celebrating it Saturday.

At home with family not nearly as big of a deal.

Emiliamazing · Accepted Answer

I’ve always thought it was a nice way to show appreciation for somebody, even yourself. So much of life feels like we’re all ants marching, like the Dave Matthews song. Celebrating a birthday is to break out of that ants marching demeanor and be happy!

MCheetah · Answer

No. This past November, my coworkers held a surprise birthday celebration for me, along with a fruit birthday cake. It was very flattering, as no job I've ever worked at, has done this for me before. But also really awkward and cringey. Is there a word for flatter-cringe?

its_amelia_c · Answer

Not really no. I feel quite uncomfortable and hate being the Center of attention.

I rather just someone forget about all the fuss, maybe say a quite happy bday, and that’s it.

I rather make a fuss about others and never about myself. Ever.

ohshee · Answer

Nooooooooooooo lol I never have never will I don't know why it just some for some reason embarrasses me
I know it is what it is and it's not meant to embarrass me but for some reason it does I just let it go and I think the people that are doing it give me the cake and ice cream please lol

HighlyVolatile · Answer

I enjoy it fairly well but I join in so that I'm not just sitting there like a lame duck. "Happy birthday to ME! Happy birthday toooo ME! happy birthday to the greatest-man-that-ever-lived, happy birthday toooooo MEEEEE!"

If I was just sitting there, I'd be uncomfortable but I stand up and join in and that helps.

exitseven · Answer

I liked it when my kids were little. We would do the whole blow out the candles thing and they would sing Happy birthday to you
you belong in a zoo
You like like a monkey
And you smell like one too.

It just i not the same now that they are all grown up.

Ghostluck · Answer

That's the point, it's supposed to make you feel awkward. That's part of the fun. I don't think anyone likes it, but it's part of the fun to live through it, for the whole 30 seconds it takes to sing it. It's called getting in to the spirit of things and rolling with the punches. :)

libsaretards · Answer

Not a fan. The only reason I ever notice my birthday passing is because family calls to wish me a happy birthday. My mom, aunt and grandmother love to make a big deal out of mine and my cousins' birthdays.

Sour-rose · Answer

I liked it that one time when I was with my family. I think it's silly to sing me happy birthday but that one time was really good because I got cake with a candle on it. It's the little things, man

Telekinetic-Potato · Answer

I like seeing that other people are happy it's my birthday but it's just so cringy. But I guess that's the point lol. It just makes me happy seeing everyone together in general.

Femphile_xoxo · Answer

I mean it's kinda cute when it's just a super small group of friends and family. But it kinda just makes me embarrassed and uncomfortable (always has).

HawkPerception · Answer

I feel a little awkward honestly, but I think everyone goes through that a little bit. I think at the end of the day, it is nice that people care enough to do that kind of thing for you.

The_Shadow_Dweller · Answer

It is just too overwhelming to be honest. Not used to that kind of attention, and then suddenly, balloons are exploding in front of you. 😅Not used to it.

KatherineJ · Answer

Nah, not really. I mean people sing it because they love the birthday person, but it’s strange sitting there with a cake in front of you, candles all lit, and being honored just for turning another year older.
Happy Birthday!

blissinanarchy1 · Answer

I feel like it's an awkward minute for whoever's birthday it is. You sit there and self conciously smile lmao. Happy early bday though!

skyeee_ · Answer

i like them but at the same time i dont really know how to react- it's like a nervousness excitement.  it's 2nd may where i am, so happy birthday!!!

andreasderjuengere · Answer

It's as repelling to me as ''Christmas Songs" Trouble is: On the outside 'you' smile anyway. No need for avoidable trouble.

DonkeyDan · Answer

No, I just feel a bit awkward. Happy 20th Birthday for tomorrow  🥂🎂🎉

RobT312 · Answer

Haha no I hate it... but it’s just something you do!

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

I'm super shy I get embarrassed to have Happy Birthday sung to me

chulo1992 · Answer

I don't like it and never have. Last year at the beach, my friends surprised me and sung it. I wanted them to keep it on the low with a quiet toast... but NO!!! Then EVERYBODY knew ot was my birthday.

blended_ninja · Answer

No one except my family knows my birthday to avoid having it celebrated.

VikingWarLord · Answer

Today (May 2) is my bday, you better cum bring me some cake, I'll bring the white, creamy frosting

Massageman · Answer

When you hit 70, you try to ignore birthdays and just hope they'll go away. ;- ) But really, naw, I don't like real big to-do's.

Sam_The_Savage · Answer

Happiest birthday girl in advance... Yeah I don't like too but I don't celebrate my birthday with family anymore.

msc545 · Answer

I was adopted as a child. I don't like anything having to do with my birthday - many adopted people do not.

beebella · Answer

If they make it funny, then yeah. Otherwise, it's just cringe. 😂

linka_pat307 · Answer

I like but it should be simple and loved ones around

Andres77 · Answer

It's done by people that love me... so it's fine. I appreciate it.

Dinosaursandanime65 · Answer

I get the same feeling as third partying two squads fighting in Apex Legends but then they both focus you as well as the fourth party

Pudsmucker · Answer

Why not it's your birthday and only comes once a year. Celebrate while you can.

sirderpsalot123 · Answer

I have always hated "happy birthday" being sung to me. It's never not awkward.

Still-alive · Answer

i don't 'like' it per se... but i feel like i would definitely miss it if it stopped happening lol.

scooogy · Answer

I can't help but get emotional on my birthday whenever I'm going through hard times.

Cleopatra1980 · Answer

Private with friends and family yes. In public at a restaurant no.

Passing_by · Answer

No, not at all. Don't even like it to be celebrated.

Anonymous · Answer

i'd rather die than having to deal with the awkwardness

Little_Bumblebee · Answer

Not really, I always feel super awkward about it

spartan55 · Answer

Meh, not my favorite, but I can roll with it.

JustinTheGreat · Answer

No, I think it’s awkward

Vendela · Answer

Not particularly, but it's fun so why not.

boobliker · Answer

Nar as most are out of tune.

LilyByte · Answer

No its awkward for me

driven159 · Answer

your birthday is just another day

hostboy__fastestlaps · Answer

It's childish and I'm a narcissist, so no.

Fuentes · Answer

No quit celebrating along time ago

BillyBalls · Answer

Just cut the damn cake!!!

dolemite89 · Answer

no i’ve always thought it was for children

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

Not really but in my family that's tradition

Msputiton · Answer

Yes. I like it.

Kingofkings1992 · Answer

No, because I’m 12 years old

JesseJayNeak · Answer

Yes. Makes me feel important

Ananymus · Answer

I dont like it i fell like it is awkward

Imkass · Answer

hell no

Anonymous · Answer

No the singing is annoying

moonpie89 · Answer

Hate it

cantthinksttaight · Answer

It’s really cringy

Iron_Man · Answer

Yes of course

Joker_ · Answer

don't care

Hispanic-Cool-Guy · Answer

Indifferent. 🤷‍♂️

Hennessy_A · Answer

Yeah!

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