It’s rare that we talk about Facebook – as an entity – doing something right.
Often it’s in the context of crappy privacy and security, of secret (and not-so-secret) plans to take over the Internet, or in time-sucking games (and how requests to play them make the “Wall” unusable).
But there is one thing that Facebook does well: Birthdays.
Birthdays matter. Even if you don’t make a big deal about them, even if you don’t want a big celebration (I fall into both those categories), having them ignored or forgotten hurts. I’ve witnessed it – my eldest had a birthday party once where nobody came1. I’ve experienced it – one year, every co-worker’s birthday at work got a carry-in and cake… except mine.2
Birthdays are important because that’s one day that you’re supposed to matter a little bit more. That you’re just a little more important and relevant. It doesn’t take much to wish someone a happy birthday.
And that doesn’t matter.
I really appreciate every birthday wish I got – whether through e-mail, snail mail, or on Facebook. Every last one.3
Thank you for taking a moment out of your day to think of me.
Have a great day!
1 It turned out mostly okay, though.
2 Scrounging up a cake and pizza and bringing it was one of the nicest things A ever did for me. Of course, in a later year she forgot entirely about it, so karmic balance was restored…
3 I tried to reply to them all as well; I am SO sorry if I somehow missed you!