A millennial’s anxiety about over-celebrating has gone viral as people reacted to her reason for struggling to invite friends to her third big event in a year.
After a bachelorette party and a wedding she had already hosted, she was worried about asking pals to her 30th birthday party. A video Alex Lincoln (@alexshume) posted to TikTok about the nerves went viral to the tune of over 550,000 views and nearly 40,000 likes in just one day.
“Building up the courage to send my friends an invite to my 30th when they have already had to celebrate my hens and my wedding this year,” she captioned the video. “My friends are actually the best people ever and convinced me to celebrate after I told them I wasn’t going to because I felt bad.”
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The invitation, complete with illustrations of bowtie pasta and pizza, acknowledged the celebration saturation openly: “In case you haven’t had enough of celebrating me this year, I’m turning 30! It only seemed fitting to celebrate by way of an Italian long lunch with my favorite people before we head to Italy where I turn the big 30 a week later.”
Despite her transparency, Lincoln’s video caused some controversy in the comments. Some misinterpreted the post, while others believed that she shouldn’t have gone ahead with the birthday party after two expensive events.
“I think a lot of people are missing that this isn’t just a birthday party…it’s a trip to Italy!” @lolatheminxx wrote. “Yes, friends should celebrate you, but preferably without filing bankruptcy.” The creator clarified it was an Italian lunch she had invited her friends to, not a trip to Italy—that’s where she is going on her honeymoon.
Even understanding the invitation, some viewers in the comments still said Lincoln’s invite could go over badly depending on the financial situation—or relationship status—of her friends.
“If someone’s single this definitely hurts, because usually the events/price/time aren’t reciprocated,” @claudianougieolive wrote.
“Invite them to a party with minimum costs to travel/new dress,” @titamona suggested. “Make it clear no gifts are expected…You are the one giving them a party.”
Lincoln did have some support from viewers, though, who believed her transparency and love for celebration was enough.
“I honestly do not understand this comment section,” @daniellemackay wrote. “You are not forcing anyone to spend money, they can come or not. They don’t need a new outfit.”
“The fact that you’re aware that this is a strain means you’re the best kind of friend,” @user8480163059590 wrote. “They’ll come.”
“These comments are wild,” @hcdoyouloveme wrote. “If you have the right friends, they’ll always want to celebrate you.”
Newsweek reached out to @alexshume for comment via TikTok.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.