Hi @outlander,
I am working at not being in Forum Land over the weekend so this is a super quick flyby to say happy birthday for yesterday. I can hear that the family gathering wasn't perfect, but it sounds like it wasn't so bad either. I think those sorts of situations can be tricky and it's probably a case of the grass always looking greener on the other side of the fence. As you probably recall, I super struggled with the fact that I had absolutely no one here in the real world to celebrate my 40th birthday with. Thus to me, the idea of having family who would bother to come and visit for a birthday sounds amazing. At the same time, I totally get how hard family gatherings can be and I can imagine some people feeling envious of the fact that I was alone on my 40th birthday and thus free to spend it in the way that I chose. Anyway, I hope you are able to have a peaceful post-birthday day today. 
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.