So I thought I could get away with not advertising my birthday this year, but the same friend mentioned in last year's journal is still insistent. They even wanted me to name them to absolve myself of responsibility, but I've already told them that even mentioning that could give them a bad reputation as a freeloader/mooch when I know they are clearly not. They want the best for me, and I still don't think a forewarning is all that much of a courtesy. His reasoning is that everyone does it (and I do see as much evidence supporting that as I do AGAINST it) and that anyone who would want to get me anything would appreciate the notice, in case any relevant sales or openings happen in the interim. It's bizarrely more well calculated than I would ever put into the ideas of gifts.

But here it is.

My birthday is August 22nd, 2 weeks from now.

If you would LIKE to get me a gift, it would be appreciated, but it is

NOT MANDATORY TO MY RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU

I have to make this clear, because I would rather let my "special day" pass without an extra thought than let anyone feel pressured into buying me things I clearly do not deserve. As I said last year, I like ideas, and very little of that has changed. There are far better people than I to buy a gift for. These include my roommate, Anthony, and all those who have ever said they would miss me if I were gone, and ESPECIALLY those who have already gotten me gifts so many times over. You know who you are, and I want you to know that you've done more than I could ever hope for and I thank you for that kindness, without requesting even more. You're too good for me, but you put up with me anyway. Thank you.