Is it normal i hated birthdays when i was a teenager?

I’m 20 now and I like birthdays, mainly just for the free stuff and knowing I survived another year. But this was not the case through my teenage years. I’d rather not go into too much detail, but I had a rather embarrassing moment in my 13th birthday, and part of my problem was my family made a big deal out of it, and I think it was pretty stupid to do so. I know people usually like milestones, but I personally hated them, mainly because they seemed so arbitrary to me. Why did I have to turn 13 to use social media, 16 to drive, 18 to be considered an adult, 21 to drink? Etc. when I was little I didn’t question it, but I started questioning it by the time I turned 10, because believe or not, I wanted to do all of those things WHILE I WAS 10, and didn’t get a satisfactory answer why not until much later.

But of course my opinions changed over time, and I ended up not wanting to drive. So much so that I actually CRIED the night before my 16th birthday because I knew everyone would be asking about it! And I ended up being so afraid to grow up that I seriously considered killing myself the night before my 18th birthday, and I had that thought as young as 11!

But I like being 20, because I feel like all those years are past me. I’m old enough to do most of the things I mentioned, and I never want to drink anyway. I guess I just didn’t like being pressured to do these things on a day that was just supposed to be fun, not intimidating!

Voting Results
58% Normal
Based on 12 votes (7 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 2 )
  • rocketdave

    By the time you get to my age (70) you've had so many of them you don't care a fig any more!

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Sad18yo

    I have that same fear of growing up as I approach 20. Never had any birthdays though (I haven’t celebrated since I was 12 or so) and I kinda wish I had at least done something for the big ones like 16 and 18 so I’d have something to remember later on.

    Comment Hidden ( show )