Dear Queenie,
My husband died a few years go – on my birthday, of all days! Since then I do not feel like celebrating on that day, but a lot of my friends and relatives still send me cards and gifts.
Queenie, I don’t want to be rude to them, but how can I get them to stop?—Unhappy birthday girl.
Dear Unhappy,
Thank them for their good wishes and explain to them, as you have to me, why you no longer feel like celebrating your birthday.
If you can think of a day that makes you feel happy – or at least, not unhappy; perhaps some public holiday? – suggest celebrating on that day instead.
