THE SHOW MUST GO ON #4

[forward]

This is interesting. X has never acknowledged my birthday, Xmas, or Mother's Day since he moved out. Not even just saying something, not helping D pick a present, not a card. Nothing. I gave him a card when he was in the hospital, fully aware that I would not expect something like that from him, had the situation been reversed. I have also had D give him father's day cards and birthday presents and cards.

I've had D make things but not for him, for her. She needs to learn how to give. So that is the extent to which I acknowledge his birthday.

Exchanging birthday gifts and greetings are what friends do. I mean, if you want to go out on a limb and give him a gift, do so. But you'd be wise to have no expectations--certainly not of any reciprocity or even acknowledgement.