Casual Conversation

I gotta tell you, I feel like 50 unlocked something in me. I feel more capable, more flexible in my thinking, more idealistic, and more ready to take on new challenges than I had for years before turning 50. (I'm a few years down the road now.)

I realize some of those statements are not what you typically hear, and I know that mental decline is an eventual part of aging no matter what. But I feel on fire in a way I haven't since my early twenties, and I can see the effects of it in my life.

And best of all, my viewpoints have jumped hard left. (Not that they were particularly rightward in the first place.)

Well you did something big for 49, right? You’re only 7 squared once. Now you have to wait until 64.

I just turned 50 last month. My husband got me a cake. It's "just a cake" but he had to get up early and sneak out of the house and get back before I woke up and left for work, then hide the cake for a day. That's what made it special.

Happy birthday!

46 here, have sometimes lost track of my age starting in my early 30s. Because it’s kinda meaningless, unless we’re talking medical history or dating, I guess.

My 18th birthday was the first time I didn't celebrate. I haven't celebrated a single birthday since and I don't regret it. I think birthdays a bit overrated, so I can't wait to reach 50 and do nothing about it. You're good, don't worry about it.

It is an anniversary, but it’s yours. If all you want is some booze and some company that sounds like a pretty good birthday to me.

When I turn 50, I'm hoping to get a nap.

Thoughtful experience gifts can be fun.

Knife or ring making, or some other hands on, niche craft? That way you learn something and can take away something special and unique to you as a bit of a memento for the birthday?

Everyone I know who's done these have enjoyed the experience and come away quite proud of the thing they made. Have a search for options in your area.

I usually just tell people "world peace"

I did nothing for my 50th but im not a birthday person. As a kid, sure I liked the presents, but as an adult I get what I need or want enough whenever and Im not big on celebrating my aging.

Had my 37th a couple of weeks ago and I wanted a Mexico themed birthday. I got it. Mexican food and beer, tequila and even a piñata.

I already wished from my girlfriend that my 38th to be space themed. I will get it. And it will be glorious.

Here is my advice: Wish for whatever the fuck you want. It is your day. Do whatever makes you happy. As long as your loved ones are present, it will be awesome.

Ask for memories or expieriences. Unless there is something material you really need and can't get for yourself, these are the things that really count in the end.

You could ask everyone to share their favorite memory of you in some form. Or bring a photo from something you did together and make an album. Or to plan a Camping trip or a weekend in a mountain cabin for all your extended family or a Fishing trip (or something you like to do) with your buddies. Or ask everyone to gift you an invitation for dinner or bbq at their house, so you have a years worth of evenings with your friends.

I just waded through decades of family photos for my mom's 70th, to make an album for her with all her friends and family from youth until now and it was the highlight of the party.

Now's the time to ask for that expensive bottle of booze that you've always seen at the liquor store and said, "who'd spend that much on rum?" (or whatever) but you were quietly curious about. In my case it's Balvenie Doublewood 17yr scotch.

The last birthday I celebrated was my 35th more than 10 years ago. We rented out a local Barcade for an afternoon and invited everyone I know. We put out some "Maximum Derek for President" buttons and magnet (my wife got customized from Etsy) because it was the year I was eligible to be president of the US. But really it was just a chance for a hangout. A hangout with a full bar.

I say I'm 50 because I'm trying to get used to saying it, but it's actually a couple of months away. But what I want is to go see the Drive -By Truckers play live. They are playing around my area a few weeks ahead and I'm hoping my SO takes my hints.

We often do concert tickets, theater tickets, state Park pass, etc. its kinda fun because you get the excitement of opening it on your birthday and then later of going to the event.

i haven’t got the foggiest idea of what I want.

Tell everyone to go to the front page of feddit.uk, and look for the donation link: https://opencollective.com/feddituk

What do you like to do? Personally, I live to travel and go cycling. I’d be thrilled if a group of folks got me a trip along the Danube or Rhine or a tour around the Scandinavian countries. Japan or western US would be cool too. Even better if a few would join me.

Or a ski trip, or even a heli flight over a few volcanoes, with a week of vacation built around that.

I’m a few years behind you, but I tend do agree with your compatriots. I hit 40 during the Covid years and it was a bit of a bummer not to throw some kind of something, hoping 50 brings something a bit more memorable in a positive way.

Awesome, happy 50th!

Funraiser or mutal aid for your local community or favorite shelter, if you are into that kind of thing.