When You and Your Partner Share a Birthday--A Thursday Journal

Mark and I share a birthday, July 6.  We made this discovery the night we met, during our get-to-know-you chat.  What's more, we were born in the same year....which is even more amazing.  How many people do you know who were born the exact same day as you were, (twin siblings aside), let alone your best friend and partner?  If anyone cares to know, Mark is several hours older.  But that isn't the point of the story.

We soon discovered that, unlike most couples whose birthdays fall on different days, we were cheated out of one birthday celebration each year.  So, we decided to compensate each other by celebrating a "second" birthday, exactly six months from our original birth date.  So, today, January 6th, is Mark's and my "half-birthday".

There are those who don't celebrate birthdays, and I understand that. It can turn into an empty ritual, so far removed from the events surrounding one's actual day of birth, that the point is lost. 

I also sympathize with those who prefer not to be dragged into the spotlight and draw attention to themselves.  Everyone should be able to celebrate--or ignore--the date as they wish.

For me, it is a wonderful thing to commemorate the day in which friends and loved ones started life on this planet.  Often, these people are all one has to make getting up in the morning worthwhile.  

For Mark and I, one day didn't seem like enough to contain our celebratory spirit; and to make the attempt in one day seemed like overkill.

So we chose January 6 as our "second" day.  It's the farthest date in the year from July 6, so it doesn't feel like we're overdoing it in a small timespan.  And it falls at a perfect time, when the activity and good fellowship of the Holiday season is waning, and the winter doldrums are setting in.  It's a nice pick-me-up.

Plus, like most couples, we get to have two festive dinners a year, maybe even gifts!

You're invited to give us a shout...gifts are not required...only your warm wishes, and any well-remembered birthday anecdotes you'd like to share here!