“On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, “Life will never be the same.”-Nancy Tillman, On the Night You were Born

My young friend will be celebrating his 25th birthday this weekend and recently expressed his misunderstanding of the way so many people turn a mere day of celebrating the occasion into a whole week, identifying it as their birthday week. Some may go so far even as to claim it as their birthdaymonth. And, I’m here to ask, why wouldn’t you? In a social society that frowns upon someone who appears prideful or self-interested, it is in your best interest to make a big deal out of the single time each year when you can have your cake and eat it too! So, my friend, as if spoken words alone were not enough encouragement for you to do your big day up right – maybe even draw it out a couple of extra, then here is a list of reasons why its ok – according to me, who is not afraid to turn a birthday day into a week (It’s not even beyond me to claim month!).

1. Cake! If it happens to be your favorite thing, like it is mine, why not enjoy a little bit of it two days prior and/or three days after? No one will judge, and who cares if they do! It’s your birthday week!

2. Parties! It’s always a great time to celebrate anything with your friends and family!

3. Don’t you like friendly people? 95 percent of people love birthdays (just like they love new babies (see? birthday). If you wear a large button that says “It’s my birthday!” people will wish you a happy day, they will forget about the woes of their own day and smile at you, remembering the joy they feel during their birthday week. Your barista may even give you a free cup ‘o Joe!

4. Speaking of free things, you get a lot of it during your birthday month!I’m not sure if it’s different for guys than for girls, but here are some FREE or discounted things that I am aware of that will help you celebrate your special time all month long (many require a coupon, but that’s ok, its something fun to look forward to receiving in the mail!):

A. If you are a Starbucks Gold Card member, you get a FREE drink of your choice, when you bring in your coupon.

B. Toys R Us gives you 10 percent off your purchase!

C. Hallmark gives you something like 20 to 25 percent off your purchase!

D. Do you like ice cream? I think you do. Ben and Jerry’s will give you a FREE ice cream treat on your birthday when you become ChunkSpelunker.  Oooh! That sounds fun!

E. Go become a member of the Blue Bell (our Texan friends) Country Club and you will receive a gift certificate for a FREE half gallon of Blue Bell Ice Cream during the month of your birthday.

F. IHOP will even give you a FREE meal, or in some areas, a sundae. Ice cream seems to be where its at on your birthday!

You see, there is absolutely nothing wrong with letting people treat you a little nicer on and around your birthday. So, lift your head a little higher, push your shoulders back, find a birthday button, and go out there and enjoy your day, week or month. And when people wish you a Happy Birthday answer them with a resounding “thank you!” Because you can, and when the very first day of next month comes, you have to wait a whole year to be able to do it again! Happy Birthday, my friend!