Is it ok to not have an 18th birthday party?

Question

I'm 18 on the 22nd November. I really can't be bothered with a party.

My birthday is in the middle of important exams (well important for my friends as they havn't been accepted into their University courses for next year yet). We also have prize giving and other school functions around this time.

After that we have holidays and I'm going overseas.

Everyone tells me that I should have an 18th, but I had a big 17th and it was a lot of effort to organise.

Is it ok to not bother?

Answer 1

It's your birthday, so it's up to you how you want to spend it. I hope you at least treat yourself to a nice lunch or dinner. Happy Birthday!!

Answer 2

A party is to celebrate and enjoy. If this purpose is not served because of constraints then there is no meaning of it.

Age 18 is a psychological barrier artificially created by law because at this age one transits from being minor to become a major (in most developed countries). Otherwise it has no significance. 'Nature' makes a person major around the age of 13 when one gets puberty, even this age is also not fixed and can vary dramatically.

So, having or not having a party on 18 depends entirely on individuals. Friends would of course like to have a party and may even go to lengths to convince or to pester.

My suggestion is, see your priorities, convenience and finances and decide accordingly. If your heart is not in there, the party is useless.

By the way, I wish in advance, Many Happy Returns of the Day and welcome you to the world of majors, responsibilities (and sometimes insanity).

Answer 3

Oh yeah, it's definitely okay! I didn't have an 18th, or a 21st either, just a few friends and a few drinks. They're usually overrated anyway, I think. You can celebrate it the way you want to during the holidays. Happy birthday!

Answer 4

Yup. I live in a place where turning 18 is a HUGE deal but I know a lot of people who go through their 18th birthday without a party. (I had a party though)

But I sure it wouldn't hurt you not to have a party unless you really, really want to and if your/your parents' wallets can handle it haha!

Advanced happy 18th birthday!!!

Answer 5

Hi Wabby, It's always nice to celebrate your B.D. every year. But if you really don't want to that is your choice Wabby. Remember this is celebrating your Birth and your first cry and in healing your first air. Happy Birthday Sarah Early. Good luck on your tests.
A Friend,
poppy1

Answer 6

yeah, it's totally ok. i never had a 18th party, it's a waste of money - you just got a year older, wow. lol, i really didnt see the point in having one, although if i did i probably would have enjoyed it

Answer 7

Wabby, I have just come on and there you are.
You said you had a good party last year, so I would suggest you put some extra goodies in your lunchbox to share with some friends at school.
As your birthday 22/11 is 11/22 in the US that is Thanksgiving Day, so that could be a theme if you can get some turkey meat.
With no disrespect to our American friends we are so far ahead of them at times.
ROTFLMTO

Answer 8

Yep, it's okay. But it doesn't hurt not to have a teensy-winsy little partay. You sound like you need the break and you can just go to like one of them little restaurants and let them sing to you and get a free cake. :3

Answer 9

you should have a small party with your parents and a couple friends, but it isnt really that necissary, I would suggest it because you will never be 18 again, but you should follow your heart and do what you feel you should do.

Answer 10

I think it would be OK, perhaps 3-4 close friends having afternoon tea somewhere after school.