The birthday dinner is a right of passage.
When you were little, it was always pizza parties and themed cakes. As you got older, you may have worked hard planning the perfect "girls night out"-- complete with heels, drinks, and tons of posts on social media. No matter how fancy or elite, we've all been to enough of these classic celebrations to understand one thing: they're all the same! Here are 7 things you, along with every other girl, have definitely found yourself thinking while sitting across from the birthday girl (and 15 of her closest friends) on her special day.
1. "Is there going to be cake?"
If we're being totally honest, birthday dinners can be pretty rough. Put simply, they consist of hours of forced social interaction, smiles, and selfless excitement. The thought of a huge slice of cake at the end just might be the one thing sweet enough to get you through.
2. "Is there anything on the menu besides salad?
For some reason, with so many girls at the table, healthy eating seems to become the "socially accepted" go-to. As the waiter comes around, you're left wondering if these girls even bothered to read the rest of the menu. In the end, it's always best to be yourself... and go for the chicken parm.
3. "I cannot believe she actually invited _______."
Birthday dinners tend to be notorious for the awkward mix of people even invited. There's the actual friends, the sort-of friends, the used-to-be friends, and usually a few randoms thrown in too.
4. "Where is the food?!"
With 15+ orders (along with everyone's dietary substitutions) being put in all at once, your food usually takes years to come. Being friendly is extra difficult when you're #hangry...
5. "How many Snapchats can one table possibly take?"
Answer: The limit does not exist. If you didn't upload a video of everyone at the table, is there any proof that you were even invited? Bonus points for whoever snaps the most flattering shot of the birthday girl blowing out the candles, duh.
6. "I have never learned so much gossip in my life."
Birthday dinners seem to be the perfect time for talking about one of two topics: yourself or other people. Everyone seems extremely eager to contribute all the newest, juiciest info.
7. "Okay, that's enough social interaction for today!"
Finally, the check is paid and you've officially survived. You're definitely not the only one excited to head straight home, embrace your food coma, and binge Netflix for the rest of the night.