As I mentioned (April 20), I spent some time last month gathering friends’ birthdays—though I keep discovering friends I forgot, so the process continues.
Once I had my list, I entered the dates into happybirthday.com. That site is free, easy to use, and they promise not to disclose your information, but the one drawback is that you’re limited to 100 entries. I thought I’d have nowhere near that number, but I’m pleased to discover that I’m already up to 71—and that doesn’t include my family.
So far I’ve been reminded of three friends’ birthdays that I’ve never remembered before. It’s very satisfying to send a note.
I realize, of course, that I’m not fooling anyone into thinking that I “really” remember. People know that this kind of thing is fully automated, but it still shows that I’m thinking of them. And at the very least, I’m sure to be in touch with friends at least once a year—pitifully infrequently, but better than nothing.
