When I was younger I used to have a habit of not telling many people it was my birthday then silently brooding when no one said anything. I'd like to think I've matured since then but some version of that dynamic still goes on. I celebrate with the people that matter most in my life and have stopped organizing bigger events that involve coordinating schedules and reservations. In this day and age I received Happy Birthday messages from my dentist, my insurance company, an allergy doctor, the New York Migraine Center and various other algorithms and subscription services. Usually my brother calls without fail but this year the day passed and I heard nothing. My mother, who has never been great with dates, often forgets exactly when I was born, while remembering all the important details surrounding my arrival  (the snowstorm, the fact I needed a blood transfusion because of jaundice, that a Dr. Blanchard delivered me, etc) but I don't take it personally. A couple of friends remember the day without fail which always cheers me. Once it reached 10pm, I thought history would be made and my brother had finally forgotten  - but eventually I saw the missed call on my phone and he came through. As for my mother I saw her name buzz on my phone as I was driving home. When I called back, I asked her if she remembered what day it was. She was quiet. Then she said, "oh, that's why! My Siri said I should call you today."