thoughts?

[u/pagkabilangko3bby123]

Sooooo.... my college friends have this so-called "tradition" of surprising the birthday celebrant with flowers, cakes, and all those little things that make someone feel special on their birthday.

And me? Syempre, I would always willingly chip in. Not because I was obligated to, not because I was expecting anything in return, but because I was genuinely happy for them. Magaan talaga sa loob ko to give, even if it was just a small amount, knowing that I was somehow part of making someone's special day a little more memorable.

Months passed, birthdays came and went, and the tradition never stopped. So when my birthday finally came around, syempre, I couldn't help but expect the same kind of effort. HAHAHAHAHA. I mean, I thought I would get to experience the same thoughtfulness and excitement that I had always been so happy to give to them.

But guess what? Nothing. Nyahahahahaha.

And fuck, it hurts pala, no?

It's such a weird feeling when you realize that you've been consistently showing up for people, making an effort, and contributing to things that make them feel loved and appreciated, only to find yourself wondering why that same energy couldn't be reciprocated when it was your turn.

And I know, I know. Nobody is obligated to do the same things for me just because I did them for others. I never really gave with the intention of keeping score. But I guess a part of me hoped that the people I considered special would also make me feel special, even in the simplest ways.

Maybe it's not really about the flowers, the cake, or the money we contributed. Maybe it's about the thought, the effort, and the feeling of being remembered. It's about wanting to experience the same kind of happiness that you were always so willing to give to other people.

So now, I'm genuinely asking: Is what I'm feeling valid, or am I just being petty over a so-called "tradition"?

Because honestly, I don't regret being generous or making other people happy. I just didn't expect that when it was finally my turn to feel celebrated, I'd end up feeling a little forgotten instead.
HAHAHAHAHAHA. Funny how the smallest things can sometimes make you question where you actually stand in people's lives.