[kstrauser]

I disagree. I simply cannot remember all of the social niceties I’m expected to remember. For me personally, I show that I care for people by giving myself reminders that they have an important event.

Let’s turn this around: if a friend wishes you a happy birthday, do you know or care how and why they remembered?

[b0afc375b5]

True. If someone wished me happy birthday I would be glad.

On the other side, however, I've already sent countless happy birthdays, merry christmases, and happy new years. Every time I do it I have this gut feeling of inauthenticity. I think to myself, "do I really care about these people".

I'm just basically trying to figure out if this is my personal issue or if anyone else feel the same way. Thanks for the response!

[kstrauser]

Is there a difference, really? You’re observing social customs that make people feel nice, and honestly, the fact that you’re doing those things is what the recipients actually care about.

Again, the last time your friend wished you happy birthday, did you wonder if they were being authentic or did it just feel nice that your friend remembered? Cut yourself the same slack!

[dqv]

There is an opportunity to reconnect with someone every time you do it. I think that's what draws people to practices such as sending cards. Another way to reconnect is sending out a letter with a short blurb about how you're doing and inviting the recipient to respond back with a short blurb about how they're doing.