I Found Out About My 40Th "Surprise" Birthday Party!!!

Updated on May 29, 2009
M.B. asks from Plainfield, IL
12 answers

Need some input. I told my Husband and family that I did not want to have a birthday party for my 40th. Just don't feel like making a big deal out of it, cause it is bumming me out that my 30's are going to be gone forever!! Well I share a computer with my Husband and went on it one day and his email inbox was open. I noticed that my Sister had wrote him. I thought what the hay, why is she writing to him??? I opened it and HELLO, there it was.. she was talking about their plans for the 20th next month.

Now I know the invites are going out today or tomorrow from what she said in her email. Do I confess up and tell him that I found the email and not to bother sending the invites?? My Sister makes the invites by HAND. Or do I just let it play out and suck it up??

Just wondering what you all think I should do. Thanks for any advise. :)

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

You need to TOTALLY suck it up! They are trying to make a "rough time" special for you. 40 is just a number, it doesn't change who you are or how special you are to them. Party and enjoy the day knowing they care enough about you to do it!!! HAPPY 40th! CELEBRATE!!!

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M.S.

answers from Chicago on

Parties are a lot of hard work. I know that some people feel akward when a surprise party is thrown for them, but remember that it is done out of love. Count your blessings that you have a husband and sister that love you sooo much, that they are willing to go to all the trouble and time, not to mention expense, of throwing a party in your honor. Try not to feel uncomfortable about all the fuss over you, and enjoy the time with family and friends. Birthdays are a good time to make memories that last a lifetime and enjoy our time with family and friends. Someday some of those family and friends might not be with us anymore to celebrate with. I speak from experience. Love every minute of your special day and celebrate it to the fullest. Life is too short not to. P.S., in the future, don't read other people's email! Happy Birthday!

2 moms found this helpful
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C.P.

answers from Chicago on

Suck it up and celebrate! My goodness... I think I'd fall over dead if my husband or any member of my family ever planned any kind of party for me, surprise or otherwise. They are going to a lot of trouble and you obviously mean a lot to them. You might be sad about your age, but that's no reason not to celebrate such a milestone in your life.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Champaign on

That is a tough one. Maybe he left his email open so you would know. You know your family. You have already expressed your wishes about NOT having a party but maybe they think this would be a great way to show you that your birthday can be fun. But if they are the type of family who will rub it in that you are turning 40-I would say something. You don't want that type of party. But a fun party with friends and family would be a great way to begin your 40's. I dreaded turning 40. I am over 50 now and still feel young, except for the aches and pains :)

S. M

1 mom found this helpful

J.S.

answers from Chicago on

Suck it up and don't open your husband's email again.

Celebrate and enjoy - don't forget to act surprised! I'm finding my forties to be WAY better than my thirties. Be positive.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

To use your own words, let it play out and suck it up.

While it is true that you share a computer, you invaded his privacy by opening his personal e-mail (even if it was from your sister). Had you not been nosy, you would have been totally surprised.

I get the whole not wanting a surprise birthday party because that would freak me out, too. But just imagine how your husband and sister are going to explain this one to all your guests, not to mention how it will make you look:

"I know by now you have all received your invitation to M.'s surprise birthday party. However, M. decided to read a private e-mail and found out about the party and decided she doesn't want the party. We're very sorry, but please don't come. The party is canceled."

It kinda makes you look bad.

If this were me, I'd be annoyed by the surprise party that people knew for a fact that I didn't want, but I wouldn't want to be rude and totally dump on all the hard work and planning that went into trying to create a very special and memorable moment for me.

Try to see the positive in this. And, quit reading your husband's e-mails! lol

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G.G.

answers from Chicago on

suck it up. You're happy and healthy and so is your family-there's cause for celebration.

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

I agree with Carolyn. They must love you alot to go through so much trouble. I understand about you not wanting to think about the 40 thing, just think of it more as a celebration of you, for you. I would be astonished and overwhelmed if ANYONE EVER threw a party for me....my 30th went by with hardly a blimp on the radar. Be happy that your family cares so much about you and celebrate your life!

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T.V.

answers from Chicago on

M.-I feel the same way and I am turning 40 soon too. They are doing for you so I say--suck up especially if your husband is going to do this for you and it is there way of showing love and appreciation so enjoy your day!! My husband is really great and I told him the same thing, so I would not be surprised.

The older we get the better we are!! Bring on forty!! Whoo Hoo!!

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J.M.

answers from Chicago on

I read the other requests and agree, suck it up.

Change your way of thinking...cake and gifts for you.

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N.W.

answers from Chicago on

I'd start practicing your "surprised" face and try to enjoy your party! I understand how you feel, a friend of mine did NOT want any surprise showers around her wedding and was very busy finishing things off. Her sister in laws didn't listen and tried to throw one RIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING. Her mom spilled the beans so she could plan around it and not be too stressed.

Consider you finding out to be a blessing in disguise and you can make sure you look great on your special day! Your family must love you a lot!

You will be bombarded by "did you know? You must have known!" type of questions all during the party. It's the nature of surprise parties. You can always smile mysteriously and say "I had an idea you were going to do something but I never thought it would be this special."

Happy birthday!

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T.K.

answers from Chicago on

Id say "Suck it up", if you think about it, you only turn 40 once, so enjoy is relax have fun! Please remember that age is just a number and you cant stop it from going up and up it is what you do while that number climbs is what matters.

1 mom found this helpful
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