Anxiety, expenses, and hangovers: "Birthdays have become veritable medieval celebrations"
WhatsApp groups, 'bizums' for gifts, and too many parties. Anyone with a large group of friends has experienced something like this, and internet sociology has already given it a name: 'birthday fatigue'
The phrase circulating within a WhatsApp group, which appeared on our main screen, instantly evokes a mix of irritation and anxiety. This feeling may be compounded when the group in question is dedicated to organizing a birthday celebration. Alongside the deluge of messages, another group may appear shortly thereafter to coordinate on what to gift the birthday person.
"I'm constantly involved in 1,000 groups called REGALO DE X," explains Sandra, a lawyer. "Each one comes with its own survey, brainstorming session, bidding, the drama of the person who doesn't respond, and the individual who proposes a gift as if we were collectively purchasing an apartment. I love giving gifts and celebrating my friends, but when you chain several birthdays together—gifts, dinners, taxis, trips, and more—eventually it becomes almost a monthly fixed expense in my budget," she remarks resignedly.
Written by urgent.news from El Pais's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
