When the day arrived, I found myself eagerly checking my phone for the usual flood of messages and notifications. As the hours ticked by, the silence grew louder, and the absence of well-wishes became more pronounced. It wasn't just the lack of notifications; it was the feeling of being overlooked by those I consider close.

Birthdays are not just dates on a calendar; they are milestones that remind us of our value in the lives of others. They are days when we expect to feel cherished and remembered. The disappointment of a forgotten birthday can lead to feelings of loneliness and insignificance, exacerbating existing feelings of isolation that many people experience.