u/Just_scrolling07

I don't want to go and celebrate there. Just need to provide gifts or donate for food etc.

Most of my friends are busy as it's a weekday and some have exams going on. My cousins are not in town either. And birthdays are not something I've done well with since I've turned 20. I don't feel like I'm actually of that age and i see the age I'll be and get very anxious.

I was even avoiding planning something on my birthday. I've not done shopping for a birthday dress or booked anything especially once I knew I'd only have my parents to celebrate with. I am going to take 2 days off from work that's all I know.

And birthdays have always been good. Like not something over the top but the usual friends, cake, food and doing something in Mumbai; can't ask for more .The people I have around always make it so soo special and I'm happy and grateful for what I have . But the days leading to it are scary . Idk how this birthday will be though :(

And it's the 25th so i think I'd have to make it special? But I've no idea what to do. And i LOVE my parents so I'm alright spending a day or two with them. More than alright even. But I'm just totally blank and anxious cos 25 will happen only once and idk what I want to do on that day lol whether it's spending time here or going out of Mumbai.

Idk what I'm looking for here ideas or just venting or assurance that someday the birthday(age) won't be that scary.

My 8-year-old cousin had come to my house . Our neighbour knows her so when she saw her she asked - why didn't she go to the village and then said, (aatch kali padli ahes, ajun padshil nako jaus) trans: “Dont go, you're already so dark, you will get even darker when you come back”

I wasn't at home when this happened. My mom and aunt didn't say anything at the time because they didn't want to stretch the topic. But when I got to know, I told my cousin there's absolutely nothing wrong with the color she has. I also told her that if anyone says things like this, she can respectfully respond with something like I don't have a problem even if I get darker with a smile.

I'd say something to aunty if next time she says in front of me ..but honestly, why is this still so normalized? Saying things like this to anyone is wrong, but saying it to a child is even worse. It just plants insecurity so early for no reason.

I have wavy long hair with oily scalp so I wash it twice/thrice a week and blow dry hair on cool settings after gym when I don't wash to take out the sweat

My main issue is the smell as blow dry doesn't take out. What do y'all do ?