Why Do We Feel Sad on Our Birthdays?

Birthdays are often imbued with significant emotional meaning. From a young age, many of us are taught to associate birthdays with celebrations, gifts, and attention from friends and family. As we grow older, these expectations can persist, and when they go unmet, it can lead to feelings of sadness or loneliness. There are several reasons why someone might feel sad on their birthday:

Expectations vs. Reality: We often build up a picture in our minds of how our birthday "should" be. Maybe we envision a day full of messages, calls, or a party surrounded by loved ones. When the reality doesn't match our expectations, disappointment can set in. This gap between expectation and reality can amplify feelings of sadness.