When it’s your birthday, I sincerely hope your family spoils you! Homemade cards and gifts, extra hugs, a joyful birthday song, or a dessert made with love all for you. It’s fun to receive cards in the mail and an overwhelming amount of texts and Facebook notifications from friends and family.
But, how would you react if you had an unexpected knock at the door and found some friends coming to celebrate with you?
There I was saying my final goodnight to our littlest munchkin after a busy day. I walked out into the kitchen and found a group of women who fill my soul to the brim. There they were, walking themselves into my untidied home. Bearing wine, lemonade, cards, gifts, and a conglomeration of goodies they had scrounged from their cupboards. That was the moment I felt most loved on my birthday.
My husband was in cohorts with them. He made sure the door would be unlocked and the house would be in a condition I wouldn’t be utterly embarrassed by. But, to be honest with you, I don’t think I would have cared if the house had been a disaster. You see, that’s not what it’s all about. It’s about the relationships these women are willing to invest in that make it special. They put their own kids to bed a bit early, sacrificed a night home snuggled with their hubbies, and drove across town on a Monday night to celebrate me. ME.
It doesn’t start with your friends, though, ladies. It starts with you. What could YOU do to begin investing in and celebrating those women close to you? The ideas are endless. It can cost as little as the gas it takes to drive to her house to as much as you want to spend for a weekend getaway. Authentic love begins with your desire to invest in others and give them what they need. The closer your relationship becomes, the more your friends will learn what you need and invest in you, too.
Here are some dos and don’ts to celebrate your besties on their birthday:
Do
- Do make it a surprise!
- Do touch base with her husband or significant other beforehand. Ensure that she’ll be home, that he can take care of the kids, and have the house in guest worthy condition.
- Do come bearing your whole self, ready to love and celebrate with your friends. Cards, gifts, food, and beverages are all just icing on the cake. (Pun intended.)
- Do plan to save your to-do lists, laundry, and Netflix shows for another night. Making time for your friends is the single greatest way to show them love. They know you’re busy and appreciate your sacrifices.
Don’t
- Don’t limit the women you invite. If you know your friends well, you know the women that are closest to her and should invite them. Each gathering will have a different group of women who will bring diversity and entertainment to each surprise.
- Don’t stress over the planning. Pick a night or weekend, send a group text, and enjoy the celebration with those that can make it. You know there’ll be few who can’t come, but it’s not worth the stress of rearranging plans to find a time that works for everyone.
- Don’t overthink it. Keeping it simple will help your authentic love shine through. Not to mention, it will complicate future gatherings and make women feel like they need to live up to previous surprises. It’s in our nature. Don’t make us do it.
We have barged our way into homes in pajamas, taken a weekend getaway, had dinner and movie nights, and the list goes on. Take advantage of the fact that birthdays are darn good excuses to invest in each other and the perfect chance to make your friend feel like the superwoman she really is.
How will you invest in your friends on their birthdays this year?
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Thanks for the ideas!