No Limits Ladies.com

I adore birthdays, especially mine, so as promised, I am sharing my never before written down guide to leveraging your birthday. Our site traffic is through the roof this morning, and I think it is due in part to the anticipation of this powerful how-to secret.

This one phrase will change you life:" If you tell, you'll do well."

I never understood my friends and family that would keep quiet about their birthday and then be all disappointed if everyone didn't remember them. Then they would use the guilt trip birthday approach. That's the worst. Remember my words- if you tell, you'll do well.

We need to cut our friends and loved ones a little slack, they have a million things they are trying to accomplish and remember everyday. If you want to be at the top of the list, do yourself a favor...say something! (Here is a great birthday reminder resource.)

3 point rule
When said birthday is approaching, there at three key points at which it is important to tell others: 1) One month prior, (2) two weeks prior, (3) One week prior to actual birthdate. This gives people plenty of warning time to plan parties, buy gifts, etc. (same advice goes for gifts: tell people what you want or need, either by subtle hints or straight forward conversation. Most people are good about giving thoughtful gifts, but if you have a challenged gift giver in your life, help them out a bit. It will be better for all of you.)

Week Of
The week of your birthday, you combine both "If you tell, you'll do well" with the 3 point rule, and implement these two everywhere you go. Put it on your blog, your forums, your My Space, anywhere you can. This is a powerful combination; you will see results right away. (Results may include, but are not limited to, a "Happy Birthday" from newly informed person, discounts, free drinks, free desserts, balloons, and even random outbursts of the "Happy Birthday" song.)

Party Like It's 1999
Remember I told you, "If you tell, you'll do well"? This is where the parties come in to effect. You will have everything from lunches or dinners with friends, co-workers, family members individually to drinks out, or your friends might even (if you are very lucky) throw you a Dance Off Pants Off, or other type of birthday party (Parties may vary.) Ride the party train, you birthday fool! Anyone who invites you out, especially after you tell the hostess, the waitress, and any passers-by that it is your birthday, will offer to pay in part or the whole tab for said outing. Let them. They are celebrating your day! (You will then do this for them when it is their day.)

*A note about age
Who cares? I love getting older. Do not hide your age, nor be ashamed of it. Love it, embrace it! Freakin' work that age!

Recovering
Warning: if you follow this guide to leveraging your birthday, you may have to spend a week recovering. However, you should roll slowly into that week of recovery, but letting everyone know the week after your birthday, that it was just your birthday. Roll with it.

*A note about birthday posers
Don't be one. Save it for the real day.