How can I get family/friend to respect personal beliefs?
The tradition was instated to celebrate surviving another year. So anyone who wishes you a happy birthday is essentially saying, “I’m glad you made it another year.” The fact that they’re ignoring your wish to have the anniversary of your birth ignored is not showing that they don’t care about your wellbeing… it’s showing that they place rejoicing in your existence and physical health above your personal beliefs. Denying birthdays for most people is about not wanting to age, so they’re probably assuming this is your issue – that you’re just lying about the rest. It isn’t “normal” to just not think birthdays are worth celebrating, so they’re assuming you are “normal” and continuing to celebrate it without your consent. You could consider this a compliment. Your friends and family like you. They think you’re normal, and they’re glad you’re alive. There is no way to convince other people to do anything. They are set in their ways just as you are set in yours. So if you really want to be
