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

[WhatTheHeckkkk]

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?

Yes, I like it!

No, I don’t like it!

[Lliam]

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]

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]

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.

[WhatTheHeckkkk]

Happy belated birthday! I hate that too… I just wanted to shrivel up and sink to the floor lol.
At home is always so much nicer!

[Emiliamazing]

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!

[WhatTheHeckkkk]

Totally. It’s super nice, but it’s always so awkward in that moment. Everything before and after is great!

[MCheetah]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[HighlyVolatile]

If it's at a restaurant and the staff is singing the song, I also get up and sing and clap and dance with a waitress and twirl her around. I abuse my birthday privileges!

[HighlyVolatile]

I'm kind of shy in ways these days where no one believes that I'm ever shy because I do the opposite of what shy people do but mainly because I'm a bit shy.

[HighlyVolatile]

If I wasn't so shy I wouldn't so not-at-all-shy so to speak. I'm not sure if that makes sense to anyone else but me. :-D

[exitseven]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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).

[The_Shadow_Dweller]

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]

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!

[HawkPerception]

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.

[blissinanarchy1]

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!

[WhatTheHeckkkk]

Exactly. That awkward smile that just burns lol. Thank you!

[skyeee_]

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]

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

[DonkeyDan]

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

[RobT312]

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

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

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

[WhatTheHeckkkk]

Me too, thats why I was wondering if anyone else agrees with me xD

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

@WhatTheHeckkkk Yeah I agree with you

[chulo1992]

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.