Hey @Owlunar @ShiningStar @Elac
@Historylover Like you I have had few birthdays recognised in last 30 years. It was always my job to remember others. I appreciated @Shaz51 taking role of birthday threads for members, it def cheered me up in last few years. It says something that my son decided to return home to also give me a birthday and respect, as he was sick & tired of the way the family has treated and ignored me. You kind of get used to it, and I am learning to protect my heart from whatever others presume about it.
Hearing you also about the "assertiveness" caper. I was ever only very polite and very compliant with my last Gp and she turned into a very bossy presumtuous lady. Full of herself, tho she apologised once for putting her point of view on me and said it was wrong, she continued to do non medical judgey statements in next 2 sessions. I always praise and compliment if people are doing their job. It is wearying putting in complaints .... often I just let things go, but then they get away with it, at the tax payers expense.
@Shaz51 I knew someone would ask that! Do you mind if I don't say - but that is giving the game away a bit, isn't it?
The reason is that people judge us by our age when they know it - too young, too old, etc. I have had people develop a completely different opinion of me when they learn my age - yet I'm still the same person.
So - do you mind if I don't say? I don't want anything to change in these relationships which I hold very dear.
I am looking forward to sending personal happy birthdays as well. I have marked it on my calendar. 
It will certainly add a dimension to my 8 Dimensions of Wellness!
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.