Have you SEEN me?

Formerly Not So Much. . .the daily musings of a 26-year-old PYT whose self-love is superceded only by her obnoxiously endearing ability to remind you at all times just how fabulous she is. Guys too stupid to realize how lucky they are to be graced with her presence? Woman with 4-pack abs climbs onto the elliptical trainer next to her? Arrives at Chick-Fil-A at 10:37, only to learn she has missed her opportunity for a chicken biscuit? She throws all these setbacks off with disdain. . .after all, have you SEEN her??

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Inspiration for the Quiz

Today is my brother Ben's birthday. I have 3 siblings, not a sparse number. I know all their birthdays and always have, since the age of. . .ever. I have a brother-in-law who's been around almost as long as well. . .ever. . .and I just got his down in the last few years. But now, I know everyone's, and I usually send cards, at least, or call and speak with them, at least. Usually one or the other, if not both. But if a card goes, I may not speak to him/her that day, especially if they're hard to get ahold of. Sometimes, if a gift inspires me around that time, I might get it (as I have for my other brother's birthday coming up next week). But some recognition is appropriate, even if not a gift! The words, "Happy Birthday" must be spoken or written and acknowledgement that I was thinking of that person. Nieces and nephews (3) get packages and gifts every year, that USUALLY arrive on time. (Which is a lot of reason their mom and dad, my sister and her husband, don't get gifts: we've been instructed, "buy for the kids instead.")

I am close to my sister and Matt, my brother, but not as much to Ben. Ben has taken to not acknowledging my birthday for the last few years, and at first, it hurt my feelings. I'm the baby and people always acknowledge all my special accomplishments. At first, I thought, well I just won't acknowledge his either. . .but that's not the kind of person I am, honestly. So I do the bare minimum. I send an e-card. I'm not trying to be spiteful, it's just sort of awkward to make an effort to call or send a card when the person lets yours passed by completely unnoticed. This way, I'm saying, "hey I remember and if you want to remember mine, I'll appreciate that too." I guess I'm just a person who only puts as much effort into relationships as gets reciprocated. I'm that way with all relationships. I don't want to turn my heart inside out for someone who doesn't reciprocate it. Any thoughts on whether my response is appropriate?

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