thoughtcatalog--2020-11-06--30 LGBTQ+ Couples Share The Most Frustrating Things They Deal With On A Daily Basis

1 .
People asking how you have sex .
I ’ ve had neighbors , a former boss , and family members ask me immediately after I told them I have a serious girlfriend .
It ’ s like , you wouldn ’ t ask a straight person that .
Like , “ Hey , so , I ’ m gay .
I ’ ve been dating my girlfriend for four years .
Sorry I ’ ve been telling you otherwise.
” Them : “ So like…lol…how do you have sex ?
Who gives and who receives ?
Do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use a lot of toys .
Cause you don ’ t have anything down there , you know ?
Do you just lay next to each other ?
How does it happen , lol !
” And I ’ m like , “ Uhhhh… ” As if it weren ’ t awkward enough to tell your ass I ’ m gay already ?
!
2 .
The mini internal debate you have every time you tell a story about your SO .
Do I say friend or girlfriend ?
Have I come out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone in the vicinity who I don ’ t want knowing I ’ m gay ?
If I do say girlfriend , will the person think I ’ m getting political/over-sharing even though they wouldn ’ t think that if I said boyfriend instead of girlfriend ?
Coming out is not a one-and-done deal .
You have to make that snap judgment a thousand times and every time it ’ s scary .
3 .
Is she flirting with me or is she straight and just friendly ?
Am I flirting with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know ?
Will she make the first move ?
If she expects me to make the first move , will I disappoint her if I don ’ t ?
Or would making a move freak her out and she ’ d never talk to me again because she ’ s actually straight ?
4 .
People asking if I know X person , because they ’ re also gay .
No , we don ’ t all know each other .
The annoying part is that since I live in town of 300k @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re talking about or I know someone with the same name , but as it turns out there ’ s more than one gay guy named Alex or whatever .
5 .
Knowing that there are some people who really hate gays even though everyone today pretends they are totally cool with them , and there ’ s always a chance decisions will be made at work that result in you not getting the promotion or straight-up getting fired .
6 .
Everything is just so , well straight .
A silly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ section next time you ’ re at CVS or Target ( ha !
Walmart ) and look for the man to man cards .
There ’ s like one , if I ’ m lucky .
It ’ s like this for anything .
7 .
People legitimately question the validity of your relationship , and whether it ’ s just a phase – especially if you ’ re bisexual and have a history of being in a relationship with someone of the opposite gender .
This questioning can come from both ends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ironic .
One thing I learned from the gay men I dated is that being gay means that you are going to be really lonely a lot of the time .
If you are straight you can date almost half of the population of any area you live in .
When you are gay , your dating pool is much , much smaller .
If you live in a small town , you will likely know every single gay or bi man in that town and they are your only choice .
9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexuality , sometimes it feels really forced .
I appreciate the support , but I feel like it ’ s trendy to support gay people .
10 .
Having some sort of conception of the future .
Since gay marriage is a relatively recent thing ( and it came suddenly and unexpectedly ) you never grew up assuming that you would ever get married , have kids , or build a home .
The question of “ what do I want to do with my life ” really was never addressed in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no future for you .
If you managed not to die from AIDS or by your own hands then you were not going to have a real love life , real friendships , a family that supports you , etc .
all of that was dependent upon you making the world believe that you were straight , a facade that you might be able to keep up with for a while , but not forever .
Eventually , the mask would slip , people would find out , and your life would slowly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were excited to live their dream as a doctor , a cop , a vet , or whatever else , the whole idea of the future was something to avoid for me , because I was always so certain that if I would even be alive to experience it , it would be lonely and pointless .
But thankfully none of that happened .
I ’ m still here corporeally but that ’ s about it .
It ’ s just that since there was never any thought put into my long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the consequences of it as an adult .
11 .
We don ’ t want to sleep with every guy we see ; not everyone is attractive .
There are also some even who are turned off when they find out a guy is straight .
Yet there ’ s that assumption from straight men .
12 .
When people in my family say things like , “ We always knew , ” or something else to that effect .
It breaks my heart every time , and I want to go fucking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , awful , and downright shameful shit they said about gay people when I was such a young , innocent child on a journey to find myself just like anybody else .
I did so much shit I absolutely hated just to appease everyone else when I could have been pursuing my own unique interests .
Feels like I lost my right to a fair childhood .
Forgiveness is hard , but I do it to not cause any more controversy than I need to .
13 .
People wondering why I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Straight people are usually confused because they have this idea of homosexuality that ’ s very open , flamboyant , and ‘ in-your-face ’ .
It ’ s even worse from other gay people , because they assume you ’ re ‘ straight-acting ’ .
They assume you ’ re trying to hide your sexuality because you ’ re ashamed , because you don ’ t love yourself , because you ’ re repressed , etc .
Sometimes , the worst reactions I get are from the LGBT community .
I have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who ’ s the guy and who ’ s the girl ?
” ….yeah really hate that one .
15 .
For some reason , when people find out I ’ m a lesbian , they feel the need to say ‘ but you don ’ t look gay ’ as though my appearance has any impact on my sexual orientation .
It ’ s a small thing to some but to me it makes me feel invalidated just because I don ’ t fit a stupid stereotype .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to me .
I don ’ t look gay ?
Well , you don ’ t look ignorant but I guess we ’ re both wrong .
16 .
Going to the restaurant together for a romantic dinner can be quite awkward .
Even worse , of course , is booking a hotel room with a double bed… “ Are you going to wear a dress ?
Are you going to have bridesmaids or groomsmen ?
Where do we sit ?
Are you allowed to do it in a church ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself , my husband , the minister , and my baby SIL as the flower girl .
My husband and I walked each other down the aisle .
The minister read a Walt Whitman poem .
We exchanged rings and vows and had a nice buffet set out for us .
No dancing , no silly games , just marriage and fake Italian food .
It was great .
18 .
Straight people can assume there ’ s a potential for anyone of the opposite gender to be attracted to them , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people usually have to go out of their way to meet other gay people .
We also seem to be far more willing to travel long distances to be with our partners , to the extent of cross states , countries , and even continents , not really sure why this is , and I ’ m in this situation myself .
19 .
Gay women have a different dilemma : 90 % of our porn isn ’ t actually for us ( spoilers , it ’ s for straight men ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wonder if these women ever even discovered masturbation because you could swear they ’ ve never touched a vagina in their entire lives .
20 .
We have to constantly police our language .
A common homophobic thing I hear is , “ Why do you all flaunt your sexuality , ” but I think a lot of straight people don ’ t realize how frequently they tell me they ’ re straight without realizing it .
Whether it ’ s “ My husband/wife ” or “ Oh that person is hot.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t a choice .
That I didn ’ t wake up choosing who I was attracted to and how infuriating it is that , that part of me is called a “ lifestyle ” or “ sexual preference ” and let me let you in on a secret : “ I probably would not have chosen being gay if this was a choice.
” Not saying I ’ m not comfortable with who I am , but it can be challenging and painful .
Who would choose family rejection , being subjugated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis ?
Who ?
22 .
Before y ’ all knew I was gay , you talked a lot of smack about “ the gays.
” You don ’ t remember because it was just another ramble , like what you had for dinner .
But I remember .
I will always remember .
I will forgive you , but I will always remember how you talked about me .
23 .
It can really get depressing when every song , movie , and TV show is centered around a man and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get sick of never being represented but straight people don ’ t really get it .
Also , straight people definitely take for granted the fact it ’ s acceptable to show PDA but gay people get told to put that shit away .
24 .
The first thing that comes to mind is a few years back I was talking to my dad , and he mentioned when he met my mother , she was having serious family issues with her own father .
They didn ’ t get along , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue because the way he was raised… family was the most important thing , and he “ couldn ’ t date a woman who didn ’ t get along with her family.
” I had to tell him if that ’ s an expectation he has for my future spouse , he better get over it before I meet her .
Cause when you ’ re gay , there ’ s a very real chance your SO will not have a family to bring you into .
It hadn ’ t occurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife might not get along with her family , and that our family will have to become hers instead .
It ’ s something I accepted a long time ago , but my dad really struggled with the idea for a long time .
25 .
I ’ m older and *STILL* don ’ t know how to date .
Coming out later is like being a teenager at whatever age you are , but you have to act like an adult who ’ s already had the heartbreaks that happen as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to know what your type is .
It always feels like a test to see if you find them attractive .
27 .
I ’ m gay and out of the closet .
I still remember this talk with a straight girl acquaintance of mine : we were talking about the future , family and stuff .
I mentioned the problem of not being able to legally marry or adopt .
“ Yes , is terrible you can ’ t have a family… by the way I get two guys getting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girl ?
Sounds fishy , I would be worried for her well-being !
” Ladies and gentlemen : our ally !
28 .
I still question my sexuality and how I define myself within the LGBT+ community .
I ’ ve been thinking about it for 10+ years and still am unsure sometimes .
I think and discuss it with my friends who are also LGBT+ a lot , some of them feel similar , some of them don ’ t .
29 .
So this might just be relative to where I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small , it ’ s not uncommon that to have dated the same people as your partner here .
30 .
You don ’ t “ come out ” just the one time .
You ’ re always coming out almost every day forever as you live your authentic life , especially when you meet new people who ask about you and your SO .

Unfortunately, Ask Reddit knows it’s still not easy being LGBTQ+ in 2020.
1. People asking how you have sex. I’ve had neighbors, a former boss, and family members ask me immediately after I told them I have a serious girlfriend. It’s like, you wouldn’t ask a straight person that.
Like, “Hey, so, I’m gay. I’ve been dating my girlfriend for four years. Sorry I’ve been telling you otherwise.”
Them: “So like…lol…how do you have sex? Who gives and who receives? Do you use toys? Lol I heard lesbians use a lot of toys. Cause you don’t have anything down there, you know? Do you just lay next to each other? How does it happen, lol!”
And I’m like, “Uhhhh…” As if it weren’t awkward enough to tell your ass I’m gay already?!
2. The mini internal debate you have every time you tell a story about your SO. Do I say friend or girlfriend? Have I come out to this person yet? Is there someone in the vicinity who I don’t want knowing I’m gay? If I do say girlfriend, will the person think I’m getting political/over-sharing even though they wouldn’t think that if I said boyfriend instead of girlfriend? Coming out is not a one-and-done deal. You have to make that snap judgment a thousand times and every time it’s scary.
3. Is she flirting with me or is she straight and just friendly? Am I flirting with her? If I am, does she know? Will she make the first move? If she expects me to make the first move, will I disappoint her if I don’t? Or would making a move freak her out and she’d never talk to me again because she’s actually straight?
4. People asking if I know X person, because they’re also gay. No, we don’t all know each other. The annoying part is that since I live in town of 300k sometimes I do know the person they’re talking about or I know someone with the same name, but as it turns out there’s more than one gay guy named Alex or whatever.
5. Knowing that there are some people who really hate gays even though everyone today pretends they are totally cool with them, and there’s always a chance decisions will be made at work that result in you not getting the promotion or straight-up getting fired.
6. Everything is just so, well straight. A silly example: look at the greeting cards section next time you’re at CVS or Target (ha! Walmart) and look for the man to man cards. There’s like one, if I’m lucky. It’s like this for anything.
7. People legitimately question the validity of your relationship, and whether it’s just a phase – especially if you’re bisexual and have a history of being in a relationship with someone of the opposite gender. This questioning can come from both ends of the spectrum though. Which is ironic.
8. I consider myself bisexual.
One thing I learned from the gay men I dated is that being gay means that you are going to be really lonely a lot of the time.
If you are straight you can date almost half of the population of any area you live in. When you are gay, your dating pool is much, much smaller. If you live in a small town, you will likely know every single gay or bi man in that town and they are your only choice.
9. People being overly loving of my sexuality, sometimes it feels really forced. I appreciate the support, but I feel like it’s trendy to support gay people.
10. Having some sort of conception of the future.
Since gay marriage is a relatively recent thing (and it came suddenly and unexpectedly) you never grew up assuming that you would ever get married, have kids, or build a home. The question of “what do I want to do with my life” really was never addressed in your younger years because you assumed there was no future for you. If you managed not to die from AIDS or by your own hands then you were not going to have a real love life, real friendships, a family that supports you, etc. all of that was dependent upon you making the world believe that you were straight, a facade that you might be able to keep up with for a while, but not forever. Eventually, the mask would slip, people would find out, and your life would slowly unravel from there. Unlike other kids who were excited to live their dream as a doctor, a cop, a vet, or whatever else, the whole idea of the future was something to avoid for me, because I was always so certain that if I would even be alive to experience it, it would be lonely and pointless.
But thankfully none of that happened. I’m still here corporeally but that’s about it. It’s just that since there was never any thought put into my long term future now I’m bearing the consequences of it as an adult.
11. We don’t want to sleep with every guy we see; not everyone is attractive. There are also some even who are turned off when they find out a guy is straight. Yet there’s that assumption from straight men.
12. When people in my family say things like, “We always knew,” or something else to that effect. It breaks my heart every time, and I want to go fucking postal just thinking about all the terrible, awful, and downright shameful shit they said about gay people when I was such a young, innocent child on a journey to find myself just like anybody else. I did so much shit I absolutely hated just to appease everyone else when I could have been pursuing my own unique interests. Feels like I lost my right to a fair childhood. Forgiveness is hard, but I do it to not cause any more controversy than I need to.
13. People wondering why I don’t ‘act’ gay. Straight people are usually confused because they have this idea of homosexuality that’s very open, flamboyant, and ‘in-your-face’. It’s even worse from other gay people, because they assume you’re ‘straight-acting’. They assume you’re trying to hide your sexuality because you’re ashamed, because you don’t love yourself, because you’re repressed, etc. Sometimes, the worst reactions I get are from the LGBT community. I have no idea why.
14. “So, who’s the guy and who’s the girl?” ….yeah really hate that one.
15. For some reason, when people find out I’m a lesbian, they feel the need to say ‘but you don’t look gay’ as though my appearance has any impact on my sexual orientation. It’s a small thing to some but to me it makes me feel invalidated just because I don’t fit a stupid stereotype.
It’s even worse when other gay people say it to me. I don’t look gay? Well, you don’t look ignorant but I guess we’re both wrong.
16. Going to the restaurant together for a romantic dinner can be quite awkward. Even worse, of course, is booking a hotel room with a double bed…
17. Planning my wedding was a pain.
“Are you going to wear a dress? Are you going to have bridesmaids or groomsmen? Where do we sit? Are you allowed to do it in a church?”
YES. Our wedding party consisted of myself, my husband, the minister, and my baby SIL as the flower girl. My husband and I walked each other down the aisle. The minister read a Walt Whitman poem. We exchanged rings and vows and had a nice buffet set out for us. No dancing, no silly games, just marriage and fake Italian food. It was great.
18. Straight people can assume there’s a potential for anyone of the opposite gender to be attracted to them, they can meet just about anywhere. Gay people usually have to go out of their way to meet other gay people. We also seem to be far more willing to travel long distances to be with our partners, to the extent of cross states, countries, and even continents, not really sure why this is, and I’m in this situation myself.
19. Gay women have a different dilemma: 90% of our porn isn’t actually for us (spoilers, it’s for straight men) and we can fucking tell. Seriously, I wonder if these women ever even discovered masturbation because you could swear they’ve never touched a vagina in their entire lives.
20. We have to constantly police our language. A common homophobic thing I hear is, “Why do you all flaunt your sexuality,” but I think a lot of straight people don’t realize how frequently they tell me they’re straight without realizing it. Whether it’s “My husband/wife” or “Oh that person is hot.”
21. That being gay isn’t a choice. That I didn’t wake up choosing who I was attracted to and how infuriating it is that, that part of me is called a “lifestyle” or “sexual preference” and let me let you in on a secret: “I probably would not have chosen being gay if this was a choice.” Not saying I’m not comfortable with who I am, but it can be challenging and painful. Who would choose family rejection, being subjugated to bias and hemophobia on a daily basis? Who?
22. Before y’all knew I was gay, you talked a lot of smack about “the gays.” You don’t remember because it was just another ramble, like what you had for dinner. But I remember. I will always remember. I will forgive you, but I will always remember how you talked about me.
23. It can really get depressing when every song, movie, and TV show is centered around a man and a woman or heterosexual dating shows. You get sick of never being represented but straight people don’t really get it.
Also, straight people definitely take for granted the fact it’s acceptable to show PDA but gay people get told to put that shit away.
24. The first thing that comes to mind is a few years back I was talking to my dad, and he mentioned when he met my mother, she was having serious family issues with her own father. They didn’t get along, at all, and my dad helped solve the issue because the way he was raised… family was the most important thing, and he “couldn’t date a woman who didn’t get along with her family.”
I had to tell him if that’s an expectation he has for my future spouse, he better get over it before I meet her. Cause when you’re gay, there’s a very real chance your SO will not have a family to bring you into.
It hadn’t occurred to him before then that my future wife might not get along with her family, and that our family will have to become hers instead. It’s something I accepted a long time ago, but my dad really struggled with the idea for a long time.
25. I’m older and *STILL* don’t know how to date. Coming out later is like being a teenager at whatever age you are, but you have to act like an adult who’s already had the heartbreaks that happen as a teenager.
26. Straight people always want to know what your type is. It always feels like a test to see if you find them attractive.
27. I’m gay and out of the closet. I still remember this talk with a straight girl acquaintance of mine: we were talking about the future, family and stuff. I mentioned the problem of not being able to legally marry or adopt. “Yes, is terrible you can’t have a family… by the way I get two guys getting a boy, but two guys getting a girl? Sounds fishy, I would be worried for her well-being!” Ladies and gentlemen: our ally!
28. I still question my sexuality and how I define myself within the LGBT+ community. I’ve been thinking about it for 10+ years and still am unsure sometimes. I think and discuss it with my friends who are also LGBT+ a lot, some of them feel similar, some of them don’t.
29. So this might just be relative to where I live but the dating pool is pretty small, it’s not uncommon that to have dated the same people as your partner here.
30. You don’t “come out” just the one time. You’re always coming out almost every day forever as you live your authentic life, especially when you meet new people who ask about you and your SO.


thoughtcatalog--2020-11-06--250+ Hilarious, Sweet, and Thoughtful Birthday Wishes for a Brother

Your brother deserves some love .
If you need a sweet , thoughtful message to scribble in his happy birthday card or to write in his happy birthday text , look no further .
Whether you want to send funny birthday wishes or serious birthday blessings , here is a collection of 250 birthday wishes for brother : The best birthday greeting to put in a card or write in a text : 1 .
Happy birthday to the best brother a girl could ask for .
2 .
Our friendship has only grown stronger with age .
Happy birthday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bro .
You ’ ve always been an inspiration to me .
4 .
I ’ m so proud of everything you ’ ve accomplished — and I know you ’ re going to achieve even more soon .
5 .
Happy birthday dear brother .
I ’ m so proud to say I ’ m your sister .
6 .
You ’ re the most wonderful brother .
You ’ ve helped me so much over the years and I am forever thankful .
7 .
You ’ re an amazing brother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 .
To my loving brother on his birthday : I hope you know I ’ m always in your corner .
I always have your back .
9 .
I hope you have a great birthday — and a great year .
10 .
Thank you for giving me an excuse to drink and eat cake !
11 .
I hope you have a wonderful birthday .
You deserve the chance to relax for a change .
12 .
You ’ ve always been a great brother .
I can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me growing up .
13 .
My biggest birthday prayer is that you realize what an amazing person you really are .
14 .
Happy birthday , brother .
I miss you more than words can explain .
16 .
We ’ ve had our fair share of fights , but I ’ ve never stopped loving you .
17 .
I wish you all the happiness in the world .
You deserve it , especially today .
18 .
You ’ re a blessing .
I couldn ’ t survive this world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m so glad you ’ re a part of my family .
I wouldn ’ t have it any other way .
20 .
This is going to be a great year for you .
I can feel it .
21 .
I ’ m lucky enough that my brother and my best friend are the same person .
Have a great day , bro .
22 .
You ’ re in my thoughts today .
Wishing you the best .
23 .
Thank you for being my biggest supporter .
I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same way .
24 .
I would trust you with my life .
You ’ re the one person I can always count on .
25 .
Thank you for showing me how a man should treat women .
26 .
There ’ s nothing more important to me than your happiness .
I hope you ’ re having a wonderful day .
27 .
We ’ ve made so many fun memories over the years — and there are many more to come .
28 .
I was blessed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
29 .
I will pick you up whenever you fall .
I will always be there for you , brother .
30 .
I ’ m wishing you luck , wealth , and good health as you start your new year .
32 .
I hope you spend the whole day smiling .
33 .
You ’ re the best man I ’ ve ever known .
34 .
I hope your day is filled with good cake and good friends .
35 .
Happy birthday to the boy who means the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope all your dreams come true today and every day after .
37 .
No matter what this year brings , I ’ ve got your back .
38 .
You were always the favorite in the family — and I can see why .
39 .
Your birthday is a chance to let loose and have fun , so don ’ t hold back .
40 .
You ’ re the best brother in the world .
No one is as supportive and kind as you .
41 .
Thank you for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You ’ ve held us together for so long .
42 .
You ’ re so much like our father .
You ’ re growing into such a respectable young man .
43 .
You helped me become a better person .
I can never thank you enough for that .
44 .
Not only are you a great brother but you ’ re a great friend and a great teacher .
45 .
I hope you realize how special this day is .
I hope you realize how special you are .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for how much you ’ ve done for me .
You ’ re the best brother ever to exist .
47 .
Thank you for protecting me — and putting me in place when I ’ m wrong .
48 .
You ’ re the coolest brother .
I love bragging about you .
49 .
Your birthday is here !
Time to start day drinking !
50 .
Happy birthday , brother .
Every year , I love you more .
51 .
Happy birthday to the second favorite child !
52 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the good looks , but at least you got the sense of humor .
Happy birthday !
53 .
I ’ m going to Facetime you later .
You better not be wearing your birthday suit .
54 .
I can ’ t wait for your big birthday celebration later .
Spoiler alert : I ’ m going to get wasted .
55 .
Have a great birthday , brother .
Take off from work for once , will you ?
56 .
I can ’ t wait to see you ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cake ) .
58 .
I hope you have a great birthday — because it might be your last .
59 .
You ’ re such a sweet brother .
Sorry you can ’ t say the same about me .
60 .
Psst .
You ’ re my favorite brother .
Don ’ t tell the others .
61 .
I can ’ t believe I put up with you another year !
Congrats to me !
62 .
I didn ’ t forget your birthday , so now , you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our parents gave birth to such a wonderful , intelligent , strong baby .
Too bad that was me and not you .
64 .
I hope your eyes still work well enough to read this : Happy birthday , brother !
65 .
You ’ re such a lovely bro .
I ’ m sorry about giving you so much hell when we were little .
66 .
Happy birthday to my partner in crime .
Don ’ t get in too much trouble today .
67 .
I feel bad for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a brother as kickass as mine .
68 .
I hope your girlfriend is surprising you with birthday sex .
69 .
I ’ m sorry for torturing you as a child .
Hope you ’ re good now !
70 .
Happy birthday .
I ’ ll give you a break from teasing for one day .
71 .
I ’ m going to post an old , embarrassing picture of us on social media .
Get ready !
72 .
You were a little brat as a kid , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dear bro , somehow you keep getting more and more awesome .
74 .
You ’ re getting so old , which worries me because I ’ m getting old with you .
75 .
You ’ re my favorite brother .
Then again , you ’ re my only brother .
76 .
You ’ re getting up there , brother , but at least you ’ re on the right side of the grave .
77 .
Happy birthday , bro .
Thank you for having such hot friends for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you for being the disappointment of the family , so I didn ’ t get the title .
79 .
Even though you weren ’ t the best brother , you grew up to be a great man .
80 .
There ’ s less hair on your head now , but there ’ s more love in your heart .
81 .
Do you really need a birthday present when you already have the best sister in the world ?
82 .
Every year , you ’ re getting older and wiser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you for ruining all of our childhood photos with your ugly face .
84 .
Happy birthday bro .
You have this aging thing down .
85 .
Mom and dad clearly love me more , so I wanted to make sure you at least got a birthday message from me .
86 .
I remembered your birthday , so really , we should be celebrating me today .
87 .
I got you an amazing present , so you better return the favor soon .
88 .
You might not look as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re nicer than you used to be !
89 .
Your birthday isn ’ t as exciting as mine , but it ’ s still worth celebrating .
90 .
I don ’ t want to get all mushy , but I love you and all that crap .
91 .
Big brother , I ’ ve always looked up to you .
You ’ ve always been my role model .
92 .
Big bro , I ’ m following in some pretty big footsteps thanks to you .
91 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister has always looked up to you .
92 .
You ’ re the reason I ’ m the person I am today .
You ’ ve shaped me , you ’ ve changed me .
93 .
Your guidance has meant the world to me .
I ’ m so thankful you were around to give advice .
94 .
Big brother , you were such a big influence in my life .
95 .
Happy birthday , brother .
Thank you for being my bodyguard for so many years .
96 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to protect me .
I feel safe with you around .
Happy birthday .
97 .
You might be older , but you ’ re not wiser !
Just kidding , bro .
Happy birthday .
98 .
I ’ m glad you were born first because I ’ ve never had to spend a day without you .
99 .
Thank you for passing your wisdom down to me .
100 .
You ’ re such a wonderful brother , and you ’ re going to make a wonderful father .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ role model .
To me , there ’ s nothing you can do wrong .
102 .
When we were little , you always had my back , and that ’ s never changed .
Thank you , brother .
103 .
Have an amazing day .
You deserve it after all the hard work you do throughout the year .
104 .
There ’ s no other man who makes me feel as safe as you do , brother .
Thank you for standing by my side through it all .
105 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and downs , but you ’ ll never stop being my big brother .
106 .
I ’ m happy to have you in my life .
I hope today brings you nothing but joy .
107 .
Your birthday is a reason to celebrate !
Pop the champagne , big bro .
108 .
I ’ m glad you ’ re older because I was able to learn from your mistakes and stay out of trouble .
109 .
I love our family , but I ’ ve always loved you the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such an annoying little sister .
I hope my presents make up for it !
111 .
You ’ ve set such a good example for me .
I learned so much from you .
112 .
I know our parents are proud of you , and I hope you know I ’ m proud too .
113 .
Big brother , your birthday only comes once a year , so you better make the most of it .
114 .
Remember : No matter how old you get , I ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of laughs on your birthday .
115 .
Blow out all your candles , big brother , because you deserve all the wishes .
116 .
We ’ re no longer children , but I ’ ll always consider you my mentor .
117 .
Thank you for passing so much wisdom down to me .
You ’ ve taught me more than anyone else in the family .
118 .
I miss our childhood .
I miss seeing you every single day .
119 .
You might be older , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re the favorite .
120 .
We will always be siblings .
I will always have a special place in my heart for you .
121 .
I ’ m so glad our parents loved you enough to have more children .
122 .
I don ’ t say this often enough , but you mean the world to me .
123 .
You were such a bad influence on me — and helped me have so much fun !
124 .
We don ’ t always get along , but no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know your heart is in the right place .
And my heart is with you today .
125 .
Happy birthday to the one man who has never done me wrong !
126 .
Big brother , you ’ ve been such a big help over the years .
127 .
Thank you for setting me on the right path .
Your words of wisdom still echo in my head until this day .
128 .
Thank you for helping to raise me .
Thank you for always being there .
129 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No one else can come close to you .
130 .
Your little sister wants you to know you ’ re on her mind today .
131 .
Little brother , I couldn ’ t be prouder of the man you ’ ve grown into .
132 .
Baby brother , I can ’ t believe you ’ ve gotten so old .
And so wise .
133 .
Stop growing up !
I want you to be a baby forever .
134 .
I remember when you were up to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully grown .
The time really does fly .
135 .
I hope you know your big sister is beyond proud of you .
136 .
You ’ re bigger than me now , but you ’ ll always be my little brother .
137 .
I ’ ve spent every single birthday with you since you were born .
And I ’ ll never miss one .
138 .
You annoy the hell out of me sometimes , but it ’ s never made me love you less .
139 .
Little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success .
Congrats on everything you ’ ve accomplished .
140 .
I loved watching you grow and learn and change .
You never fail to impress me .
141 .
You ’ re getting so old , which means I must be getting ancient !
142 .
You ’ re no longer little .
Even though you can protect yourself now , I ’ m always going to be there for you .
143 .
You ’ re growing into the type of man any woman would be lucky to call her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so grown up now .
You make me feel so old .
145 .
Your birthday is only 24 hours long , so you better make each second count .
146 .
I ’ ve watched you grow from a child into a man — and I couldn ’ t be prouder .
147 .
You ’ re taller than me now — but don ’ t get too excited because I ’ ll always be the pretty one .
148 .
On your birthday , I hope you feel special because you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even on your most annoying days , you ’ re such a wonderful little brother .
150 .
Little bro , you ’ re bigger than me now , but I ’ m never going to stop babying you .
151 .
You ’ re finally old enough to drink with me , so crack open a bottle !
152 .
I can ’ t believe it ’ s your birthday again .
You keep growing right in front of my eyes .
153 .
I hope you didn ’ t expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big sister should be the best gift of all .
154 .
You ’ re younger than me and you ’ ve already accomplished so much more than me .
I couldn ’ t be prouder !
155 .
You ’ re so mature for your age .
You are the type of man I hope my own children grow up to become .
156 .
I ’ m the first-born so I wanted to be the first to wish you a happy birthday !
157 .
You ’ re the best baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 158 .
Every single year , you get smarter and stronger .
I guess I was a good influence !
159 .
Forget mom and dad .
I deserve credit for what a wonderful man you grew up to become .
160 .
You might be my little brother but you have big things ahead of you .
Happy birthday , bro !
Big ( or little ) brother birthday reminders to send if you can ’ t see each other : 161 .
I can ’ t give you a big bear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best I can do is this text .
162 .
I can ’ t physically see you today , but I can feel you in my heart .
163 .
You ’ re the most wonderful brother .
I wish I could tell you that face-to-face .
164 .
I might not be able to see you today , but I can picture your smiling face .
165 .
I miss you more than the rest of the family .
Especially today .
166 .
Eat an extra piece of cake in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be out of sight and out of reach , but you ’ re never out of mind .
168 .
I ’ m missing you more today than usual .
Sending my love .
169 .
Send me a piece of cake through the mail .
I ’ m starving .
170 .
I hope you get all the presents you wanted today .
Aside from being with me .
171 .
I ’ m sorry I can ’ t tell you this in person , but I love you to pieces .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in person , but I ’ m there in spirit .
Happy birthday , bro !
173 .
I wish we were together today , but have a great birthday either way !
174 .
I wish I could be there to watch you blow out the candles and make a birthday wish !
175 .
Happy birthday , brother .
Don ’ t miss me too much !
176 .
I ’ m sending you happy birthday wishes and a virtual hug from afar !
177 .
It ’ s a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not with you to celebrate it .
178 .
If I could actually afford a plane ticket , I would be standing by your side today .
179 .
We might be miles apart , but I ’ m with you in spirit .
180 .
Don ’ t get too drunk tonight without me around to chaperone you .
181 .
Happy birthday !
I ’ m sorry I can ’ t be there , but I ’ ll make it up to you next time I visit !
182 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be getting a present in the mail shortly .
183 .
Even though we ’ re not together , you ’ ll be on my mind all day long , brother .
184 .
I can ’ t see you , but you better be smiling at your phone as you read this birthday message !
185 .
You have to wait 365 days for another birthday , so you better make this one count , even though I ’ m not there to celebrate alongside you .
186 .
Distance won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drink in your honor !
187 .
Even though we can ’ t see each other in person right now , I ’ m always a phone call away .
188 .
I would cross oceans to see you — just not today .
Sorry I couldn ’ t make it !
189 .
We ’ re in different time zones , but that won ’ t stop me from being the first person to wish you a happy birthday !
190 .
We ’ re physically far apart , but I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
191 .
You ’ ve made it to your midlife crisis !
Congrats !
193 .
I hope your 50th birthday is your favorite so far — but there are a lot of other years to beat .
194 .
I hope you enjoy your senior discount on your birthday dinner , old man !
195 .
The fire department might show up when they see how many birthday candles are on your cake .
196 .
It ’ s better to be over the hill than buried under it !
197 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few hundreds in this card , but I didn ’ t want to give you a heart attack in your old age .
199 .
Now that you ’ re 50 , your back is going to go out more often than you do .
200 .
Since you get older and wiser every year , you should be a genius by now !
201 .
You ’ re 50 , but you still look as good as the day I was born .
202 .
You ’ ve been by my side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t express how much that means to me .
203 .
You ’ re getting up there , but you haven ’ t lost your youthful spirit .
Happy birthday , bro !
204 .
Reaching fifty is a huge milestone .
You better celebrate it !
205 .
Remember , age is only a number .
Your age simply happens to be a big number .
206 .
You ’ ve made it through 50 years more than you deserved .
Just kidding , bro !
Happy birthday .
207 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I look at you , I still see a young man .
208 .
I hope I accomplish half as much as you by the time I reach your age .
You ’ re an inspiration .
209 .
You have more candles than cake now !
210 .
50 looks good on you .
You don ’ t look a day over 40 .
211 .
You know , they say 50 is the best age… for a bottle of wine .
212 .
You might be losing your hair and your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose me .
213 .
Trust me , you haven ’ t aged a day .
You ’ re still looking great !
214 .
You shouldn ’ t be embarrassed of your age .
You should be proud of how much you ’ ve accomplished , brother .
215 .
At least you aren ’ t a creepy old man .
You ’ re just an old man .
216 .
You ’ re getting older , but I don ’ t think you ’ ve gotten any wiser .
What ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 years have passed , but your heart has remained the same .
I love you , brother .
218 .
Getting older shouldn ’ t scare you .
You ’ re killing it , bro .
219 .
I can ’ t believe you ’ ve survived fifty years on this mess of a planet .
That ’ s quite the accomplishment .
220 .
50 cheers to 50 years !
I hope this birthday is a fun one !
221 .
Happy birthday , brother .
Don ’ t forget to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t lucky enough to live this long .
222 .
Happy birthday to my best friend since childhood .
223 .
You ’ re an awesome brother .
I wouldn ’ t trade our childhood for the world .
224 .
You ’ re older than yesterday but younger than tomorrow , so enjoy it while it lasts !
225 .
This year might not be easy on you , but you ’ re never alone .
I ’ m always there for you , brother .
You can always count @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your dreams come true this year .
You deserve everything you ’ ve been working toward , bro .
227 .
On your birthday , I wanted to remind you how much I appreciate how much effort you put in each and every day .
228 .
Remember to live in the moment , brother , because the next one isn ’ t guaranteed .
229 .
This day is all about you , so you have permission from your sister to be selfish .
230 .
You make the world a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re doing , brother .
231 .
Your birthday is the one day of the year you can ’ t roll your eyes when I tell you how much I love you .
I LOVE YOU , brother .
232 .
Your birthday is the only one I have memorized !
Why ?
Because you mean the world to me .
233 .
I hope you have the happiest birthday because you bring me so much joy .
234 .
Time has changed you .
It has made you even smarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m jealous of you , brother .
You ’ re doing so well and accomplishing so much .
236 .
You ’ re such a good man .
I hope you get spoiled rotten this birthday .
237 .
This year , and every year , you make me so proud .
238 .
No matter how long we go without talking or how far apart we live , I will always be your sister .
I will always love you dearly .
239 .
I hope you never forget how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
240 .
Brother , life is easier knowing I have someone around to catch me when I fall .
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays .
241 .
I love the little boy you were and the man you grew up to become .
242 .
You , my dear brother , are what all men should aspire to become .
243 .
You ’ re far from perfect , but you always lead with your heart , which is so admirable .
Happy birthday , brother .
244 .
I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love , because that ’ s what you ’ re constantly bringing me .
245 .
I didn ’ t appreciate you enough when we were younger , but now I see how lucky I am to have you in my world .
246 .
You ’ re a true inspiration .
You make me want to be a better person .
247 .
I love you , brother , through thick and thin .
That will never change .
248 .
You deserve to feel loved on this special day .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birthday to my brother , my partner in crime , my best friend .
250 .
I couldn ’ t be prouder of you .
You ’ re doing so much better than you realize .
If you don ’ t want to send a birthday message , send some birthday images instead .
Here are a few of the best options :

Your brother deserves some love. If you need a sweet, thoughtful message to scribble in his happy birthday card or to write in his happy birthday text, look no further. Whether you want to send funny birthday wishes or serious birthday blessings, here is a collection of 250 birthday wishes for brother:
The best birthday greeting to put in a card or write in a text:
1. Happy birthday to the best brother a girl could ask for.
2. Our friendship has only grown stronger with age. Happy birthday, brother.
3. Happy birthday bro. You’ve always been an inspiration to me.
4. I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished — and I know you’re going to achieve even more soon.
5. Happy birthday dear brother. I’m so proud to say I’m your sister.
6. You’re the most wonderful brother. You’ve helped me so much over the years and I am forever thankful.
7. You’re an amazing brother and an even more amazing friend.
8. To my loving brother on his birthday: I hope you know I’m always in your corner. I always have your back.
9. I hope you have a great birthday — and a great year.
10. Thank you for giving me an excuse to drink and eat cake!
11. I hope you have a wonderful birthday. You deserve the chance to relax for a change.
12. You’ve always been a great brother. I can’t thank you enough for being there for me growing up.
13. My biggest birthday prayer is that you realize what an amazing person you really are.
14. Happy birthday, brother. I miss you more than words can explain.
15. I just remembered it’s my favorite brother’s birthday!
16. We’ve had our fair share of fights, but I’ve never stopped loving you.
17. I wish you all the happiness in the world. You deserve it, especially today.
18. You’re a blessing. I couldn’t survive this world without you.
19. I’m so glad you’re a part of my family. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
20. This is going to be a great year for you. I can feel it.
21. I’m lucky enough that my brother and my best friend are the same person. Have a great day, bro.
22. You’re in my thoughts today. Wishing you the best.
23. Thank you for being my biggest supporter. I hope I can be there for you in the same way.
24. I would trust you with my life. You’re the one person I can always count on.
25. Thank you for showing me how a man should treat women.
26. There’s nothing more important to me than your happiness. I hope you’re having a wonderful day.
27. We’ve made so many fun memories over the years — and there are many more to come.
28. I was blessed with the biggest gift on this day. You!
29. I will pick you up whenever you fall. I will always be there for you, brother.
30. I’m wishing you luck, wealth, and good health as you start your new year.
31. Happy birthday. Don’t wait to celebrate!
32. I hope you spend the whole day smiling.
33. You’re the best man I’ve ever known.
34. I hope your day is filled with good cake and good friends.
35. Happy birthday to the boy who means the most to me.
36. I hope all your dreams come true today and every day after.
37. No matter what this year brings, I’ve got your back.
38. You were always the favorite in the family — and I can see why.
39. Your birthday is a chance to let loose and have fun, so don’t hold back.
40. You’re the best brother in the world. No one is as supportive and kind as you.
41. Thank you for being the pillar of our family. You’ve held us together for so long.
42. You’re so much like our father. You’re growing into such a respectable young man.
43. You helped me become a better person. I can never thank you enough for that.
44. Not only are you a great brother but you’re a great friend and a great teacher.
45. I hope you realize how special this day is. I hope you realize how special you are.
46. I could never repay you for how much you’ve done for me. You’re the best brother ever to exist.
47. Thank you for protecting me — and putting me in place when I’m wrong.
48. You’re the coolest brother. I love bragging about you.
49. Your birthday is here! Time to start day drinking!
50. Happy birthday, brother. Every year, I love you more.
Silly, funny birthday messages to put in a birthday card:
51. Happy birthday to the second favorite child!
52. I’m sorry for getting all the good looks, but at least you got the sense of humor. Happy birthday!
53. I’m going to Facetime you later. You better not be wearing your birthday suit.
54. I can’t wait for your big birthday celebration later. Spoiler alert: I’m going to get wasted.
55. Have a great birthday, brother. Take off from work for once, will you?
56. I can’t wait to see you (and steal a slice of your birthday cake).
57. Happy birthday, brother. You’re a year older and a year closer to death.
58. I hope you have a great birthday — because it might be your last.
59. You’re such a sweet brother. Sorry you can’t say the same about me.
60. Psst. You’re my favorite brother. Don’t tell the others.
61. I can’t believe I put up with you another year! Congrats to me!
62. I didn’t forget your birthday, so now, you can’t forget mine.
63. Our parents gave birth to such a wonderful, intelligent, strong baby. Too bad that was me and not you.
64. I hope your eyes still work well enough to read this: Happy birthday, brother!
65. You’re such a lovely bro. I’m sorry about giving you so much hell when we were little.
66. Happy birthday to my partner in crime. Don’t get in too much trouble today.
67. I feel bad for every other sister because none of them have a brother as kickass as mine.
68. I hope your girlfriend is surprising you with birthday sex.
69. I’m sorry for torturing you as a child. Hope you’re good now!
70. Happy birthday. I’ll give you a break from teasing for one day.
71. I’m going to post an old, embarrassing picture of us on social media. Get ready!
72. You were a little brat as a kid, but I love you anyway.
73. Dear bro, somehow you keep getting more and more awesome.
74. You’re getting so old, which worries me because I’m getting old with you.
75. You’re my favorite brother. Then again, you’re my only brother.
76. You’re getting up there, brother, but at least you’re on the right side of the grave.
77. Happy birthday, bro. Thank you for having such hot friends for me to crush on.
78. Thank you for being the disappointment of the family, so I didn’t get the title.
79. Even though you weren’t the best brother, you grew up to be a great man.
80. There’s less hair on your head now, but there’s more love in your heart.
81. Do you really need a birthday present when you already have the best sister in the world?
82. Every year, you’re getting older and wiser — and weirder.
83. Thank you for ruining all of our childhood photos with your ugly face.
84. Happy birthday bro. You have this aging thing down.
85. Mom and dad clearly love me more, so I wanted to make sure you at least got a birthday message from me.
86. I remembered your birthday, so really, we should be celebrating me today.
87. I got you an amazing present, so you better return the favor soon.
88. You might not look as good as you used to, but you’re nicer than you used to be!
89. Your birthday isn’t as exciting as mine, but it’s still worth celebrating.
90. I don’t want to get all mushy, but I love you and all that crap.
Big brother birthday wishes for your older brother:
91. Big brother, I’ve always looked up to you. You’ve always been my role model.
92. Big bro, I’m following in some pretty big footsteps thanks to you.
91. I hope you know your little sister has always looked up to you.
92. You’re the reason I’m the person I am today. You’ve shaped me, you’ve changed me.
93. Your guidance has meant the world to me. I’m so thankful you were around to give advice.
94. Big brother, you were such a big influence in my life.
95. Happy birthday, brother. Thank you for being my bodyguard for so many years.
96. I know you’re always going to protect me. I feel safe with you around. Happy birthday.
97. You might be older, but you’re not wiser! Just kidding, bro. Happy birthday.
98. I’m glad you were born first because I’ve never had to spend a day without you.
99. Thank you for passing your wisdom down to me.
100. You’re such a wonderful brother, and you’re going to make a wonderful father.
101. You were always my biggest role model. To me, there’s nothing you can do wrong.
102. When we were little, you always had my back, and that’s never changed. Thank you, brother.
103. Have an amazing day. You deserve it after all the hard work you do throughout the year.
104. There’s no other man who makes me feel as safe as you do, brother. Thank you for standing by my side through it all.
105. We’ve had our ups and downs, but you’ll never stop being my big brother.
106. I’m happy to have you in my life. I hope today brings you nothing but joy.
107. Your birthday is a reason to celebrate! Pop the champagne, big bro.
108. I’m glad you’re older because I was able to learn from your mistakes and stay out of trouble.
109. I love our family, but I’ve always loved you the most.
110. Sorry for being such an annoying little sister. I hope my presents make up for it!
111. You’ve set such a good example for me. I learned so much from you.
112. I know our parents are proud of you, and I hope you know I’m proud too.
113. Big brother, your birthday only comes once a year, so you better make the most of it.
114. Remember: No matter how old you get, I’ll always be younger! Sending you lots of laughs on your birthday.
115. Blow out all your candles, big brother, because you deserve all the wishes.
116. We’re no longer children, but I’ll always consider you my mentor.
117. Thank you for passing so much wisdom down to me. You’ve taught me more than anyone else in the family.
118. I miss our childhood. I miss seeing you every single day.
119. You might be older, but I’m wise enough to know you’re the favorite.
120. We will always be siblings. I will always have a special place in my heart for you.
121. I’m so glad our parents loved you enough to have more children.
122. I don’t say this often enough, but you mean the world to me.
123. You were such a bad influence on me — and helped me have so much fun!
124. We don’t always get along, but no matter how much we fight, I know your heart is in the right place. And my heart is with you today.
125. Happy birthday to the one man who has never done me wrong!
126. Big brother, you’ve been such a big help over the years.
127. Thank you for setting me on the right path. Your words of wisdom still echo in my head until this day.
128. Thank you for helping to raise me. Thank you for always being there.
129. You’re the best big brother. No one else can come close to you.
130. Your little sister wants you to know you’re on her mind today.
Brother quotes for your younger brother:
131. Little brother, I couldn’t be prouder of the man you’ve grown into.
132. Baby brother, I can’t believe you’ve gotten so old. And so wise.
133. Stop growing up! I want you to be a baby forever.
134. I remember when you were up to my knee, and now you’re fully grown. The time really does fly.
135. I hope you know your big sister is beyond proud of you.
136. You’re bigger than me now, but you’ll always be my little brother.
137. I’ve spent every single birthday with you since you were born. And I’ll never miss one.
138. You annoy the hell out of me sometimes, but it’s never made me love you less.
139. Little brother, you’re a huge success. Congrats on everything you’ve accomplished.
140. I loved watching you grow and learn and change. You never fail to impress me.
141. You’re getting so old, which means I must be getting ancient!
142. You’re no longer little. Even though you can protect yourself now, I’m always going to be there for you.
143. You’re growing into the type of man any woman would be lucky to call her husband.
144. You’re so grown up now. You make me feel so old.
145. Your birthday is only 24 hours long, so you better make each second count.
146. I’ve watched you grow from a child into a man — and I couldn’t be prouder.
147. You’re taller than me now — but don’t get too excited because I’ll always be the pretty one.
148. On your birthday, I hope you feel special because you’re special to me.
149. Even on your most annoying days, you’re such a wonderful little brother.
150. Little bro, you’re bigger than me now, but I’m never going to stop babying you.
151. You’re finally old enough to drink with me, so crack open a bottle!
152. I can’t believe it’s your birthday again. You keep growing right in front of my eyes.
153. I hope you didn’t expect a present. Having me as a big sister should be the best gift of all.
154. You’re younger than me and you’ve already accomplished so much more than me. I couldn’t be prouder!
155. You’re so mature for your age. You are the type of man I hope my own children grow up to become.
156. I’m the first-born so I wanted to be the first to wish you a happy birthday!
157. You’re the best baby brother a girl could hope for.
158. Every single year, you get smarter and stronger. I guess I was a good influence!
159. Forget mom and dad. I deserve credit for what a wonderful man you grew up to become.
160. You might be my little brother but you have big things ahead of you. Happy birthday, bro!
Big (or little) brother birthday reminders to send if you can’t see each other:
161. I can’t give you a big bear hug today, so, unfortunately, the best I can do is this text.
162. I can’t physically see you today, but I can feel you in my heart.
163. You’re the most wonderful brother. I wish I could tell you that face-to-face.
164. I might not be able to see you today, but I can picture your smiling face.
165. I miss you more than the rest of the family. Especially today.
166. Eat an extra piece of cake in my honor.
167. You might be out of sight and out of reach, but you’re never out of mind.
168. I’m missing you more today than usual. Sending my love.
169. Send me a piece of cake through the mail. I’m starving.
170. I hope you get all the presents you wanted today. Aside from being with me.
171. I’m sorry I can’t tell you this in person, but I love you to pieces.
172. I might not be there in person, but I’m there in spirit. Happy birthday, bro!
173. I wish we were together today, but have a great birthday either way!
174. I wish I could be there to watch you blow out the candles and make a birthday wish!
175. Happy birthday, brother. Don’t miss me too much!
176. I’m sending you happy birthday wishes and a virtual hug from afar!
177. It’s a big day! I hate that I’m not with you to celebrate it.
178. If I could actually afford a plane ticket, I would be standing by your side today.
179. We might be miles apart, but I’m with you in spirit.
180. Don’t get too drunk tonight without me around to chaperone you.
181. Happy birthday! I’m sorry I can’t be there, but I’ll make it up to you next time I visit!
182. Happy birthday, brother! You should be getting a present in the mail shortly.
183. Even though we’re not together, you’ll be on my mind all day long, brother.
184. I can’t see you, but you better be smiling at your phone as you read this birthday message!
185. You have to wait 365 days for another birthday, so you better make this one count, even though I’m not there to celebrate alongside you.
186. Distance won’t stop me from having a birthday drink in your honor!
187. Even though we can’t see each other in person right now, I’m always a phone call away.
188. I would cross oceans to see you — just not today. Sorry I couldn’t make it!
189. We’re in different time zones, but that won’t stop me from being the first person to wish you a happy birthday!
190. We’re physically far apart, but I’m keeping you close in my heart.
50th birthday messages:
191. You’ve made it to your midlife crisis! Congrats!
192. Cheers to 50 more amazing years!
193. I hope your 50th birthday is your favorite so far — but there are a lot of other years to beat.
194. I hope you enjoy your senior discount on your birthday dinner, old man!
195. The fire department might show up when they see how many birthday candles are on your cake.
196. It’s better to be over the hill than buried under it!
197. I would’ve put a few hundreds in this card, but I didn’t want to give you a heart attack in your old age.
198. I’m glad you haven’t kicked the bucket! Happy birthday!
199. Now that you’re 50, your back is going to go out more often than you do.
200. Since you get older and wiser every year, you should be a genius by now!
201. You’re 50, but you still look as good as the day I was born.
202. You’ve been by my side for five decades now. I can’t express how much that means to me.
203. You’re getting up there, but you haven’t lost your youthful spirit. Happy birthday, bro!
204. Reaching fifty is a huge milestone. You better celebrate it!
205. Remember, age is only a number. Your age simply happens to be a big number.
206. You’ve made it through 50 years more than you deserved. Just kidding, bro! Happy birthday.
207. You’re 50, but when I look at you, I still see a young man.
208. I hope I accomplish half as much as you by the time I reach your age. You’re an inspiration.
209. You have more candles than cake now!
210. 50 looks good on you. You don’t look a day over 40.
211. You know, they say 50 is the best age… for a bottle of wine.
212. You might be losing your hair and your mind — but you’ll never lose me.
213. Trust me, you haven’t aged a day. You’re still looking great!
214. You shouldn’t be embarrassed of your age. You should be proud of how much you’ve accomplished, brother.
215. At least you aren’t a creepy old man. You’re just an old man.
216. You’re getting older, but I don’t think you’ve gotten any wiser. What’s up with that?
217. 50 years have passed, but your heart has remained the same. I love you, brother.
218. Getting older shouldn’t scare you. You’re killing it, bro.
219. I can’t believe you’ve survived fifty years on this mess of a planet. That’s quite the accomplishment.
220. 50 cheers to 50 years! I hope this birthday is a fun one!
Heart touching birthday quotes:
221. Happy birthday, brother. Don’t forget to make every second count because some people aren’t lucky enough to live this long.
222. Happy birthday to my best friend since childhood.
223. You’re an awesome brother. I wouldn’t trade our childhood for the world.
224. You’re older than yesterday but younger than tomorrow, so enjoy it while it lasts!
225. This year might not be easy on you, but you’re never alone. I’m always there for you, brother. You can always count on me.
226. I hope your dreams come true this year. You deserve everything you’ve been working toward, bro.
227. On your birthday, I wanted to remind you how much I appreciate how much effort you put in each and every day.
228. Remember to live in the moment, brother, because the next one isn’t guaranteed.
229. This day is all about you, so you have permission from your sister to be selfish.
230. You make the world a better, brighter place. Keep doing what you’re doing, brother.
231. Your birthday is the one day of the year you can’t roll your eyes when I tell you how much I love you. I LOVE YOU, brother.
232. Your birthday is the only one I have memorized! Why? Because you mean the world to me.
233. I hope you have the happiest birthday because you bring me so much joy.
234. Time has changed you. It has made you even smarter and stronger than before.
235. I’m jealous of you, brother. You’re doing so well and accomplishing so much.
236. You’re such a good man. I hope you get spoiled rotten this birthday.
237. This year, and every year, you make me so proud.
238. No matter how long we go without talking or how far apart we live, I will always be your sister. I will always love you dearly.
239. I hope you never forget how much I love you and appreciate you.
240. Brother, life is easier knowing I have someone around to catch me when I fall. Wishing you the happiest of birthdays.
241. I love the little boy you were and the man you grew up to become.
242. You, my dear brother, are what all men should aspire to become.
243. You’re far from perfect, but you always lead with your heart, which is so admirable. Happy birthday, brother.
244. I hope your birthday is filled with joy and love, because that’s what you’re constantly bringing me.
245. I didn’t appreciate you enough when we were younger, but now I see how lucky I am to have you in my world.
246. You’re a true inspiration. You make me want to be a better person.
247. I love you, brother, through thick and thin. That will never change.
248. You deserve to feel loved on this special day. I hope you do.
249. Happy birthday to my brother, my partner in crime, my best friend.
250. I couldn’t be prouder of you. You’re doing so much better than you realize.
Brother images that speak louder than words:
If you don’t want to send a birthday message, send some birthday images instead. Here are a few of the best options:


thoughtcatalog--2020-11-09--Gentle Reminders Everyone Needs To Hear Right Now

1 .
You don ’ t have to feel sorry for loving someone .
You don ’ t have to feel sorry for caring .
For trusting that the people you gave your heart to were going to value it , and nurture it .
You don ’ t have to feel like you made a mistake , like you need to be ashamed for believing in the goodness and the beauty of another human being .
And I know that it can be really disorienting when you feel so deeply for those in your life , when love pours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you feel so much potential , and so much hope , and then you are asked to set it down .
I know what it feels like to hold that weight within yourself , to look at an almost or a relationship or the connection you felt with another person , to reminisce about the beginning , the beauty , the way you looked at them and just knew that they were going to affect your life , that they were going to be a special part of it .
And I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , in the aftermath of that human being .
And I know it hurts .
And I know it can leave your heart feeling like a heavy and haunted thing .
I know it can make you question yourself , I know it can make you feel like you needed to be more , or care more , or try more , just to make someone see the value in the love you were giving them .
But I also know that you deserve to be loved and chosen , not almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve something pointed .
You deserve something real .
And at the end of the day , you also deserve to be proud of yourself for trying for something .
You deserve to defend your heart , and the way you love , and how you show up here .
Not every single person you feel something deep and meaningful with is going to stay .
Some people come into our lives and they teach us how to love , how to hope , they show us that the goodness was always meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always meant to stay .
And some people , some people teach us how not to love .
How not to settle .
How to stand up for what we truly desire , how to choose ourselves for once , how to stop pouring into empty vessels , how to give that love back to ourselves .
Either way , the lesson remains .
And the scars remain .
And the wounds remain .
And the hurt and the hope remains .
And it ’ s all within you , but it isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is a testament of faith .
Because in a world that sometimes fails to love deeply , in a generation that always seems to be choosing distance over depth , you chose to believe in something .
You chose to try for something .
Despite the way you have been hurt in the past , you decided to crash your heart into someone who ignited something within it .
You chose to hope for something .
And that is nothing to be ashamed of .
That is something to celebrate .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The uncertainty right now is here to teach you .
I know the uncertainty feels scary right now .
That you are grieving the loss of what you thought was normal , what you hoped for , what you wanted from this year .
I know being asked to stay still , having so much changed within your lives so quickly , and so abruptly , in ways that feel overwhelming and mysterious , can be really heavy .
I know that so many of you are afraid of this uncertainty , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want you to connect with the fact that all of your life has been uncertain .
Because no day is ever promised to you .
We can make all the plans , and have all the hopes , and dream of all the trips , and think about all the people we are going to meet , and we can think that we have it all figured out .
That we are on our journey , that we know what makes us happy , and even if that ’ s not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That we are going in the direction of clarity , that we are going to have the opportunity to make sense of our purpose , and our hearts , and what we want in this world .
We live life with so much certainty surrounding what is coming , sometimes we forget that we can only be certain of the now .
And I hope that doesn ’ t sound cliche , but this is why this resonates so deeply for me , in relation to the uncertainty that is happening in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always been uncertain .
My mother went to the doctors thinking that she pulled a muscle in her neck , and ended up being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer .
She had so many plans .
She had so many dreams .
And so many hopes .
She was empowered , and beautiful , and had this idea of what she wanted her life to look like .
And then she got sick .
Very out of the blue , in this abrupt and immense way .
And from there — everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know how much time she had .
She didn ’ t know what her future held anymore .
She didn ’ t know if she would beat it , or if she would even wake up the next day .
And that uncertainty , that not knowing , that feeling like life was suddenly so different than what she had wished for — at first it felt unfair .
Like time was being taken away from her .
Like she wanted to grip at her past concept of what was waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think that is how a lot of you are feeling right now .
Like so much was taken from you .
Like you don ’ t know what is waiting on the other side of all of this .
And the truth is — you won ’ t ever know .
That is one of the biggest lessons my mother taught me .
Sometimes life goes to plan , and sometimes it doesn ’ t .
Sometimes , the things you are the most certain about , end up dissipating or being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fruition .
Slowly , I saw the fear and the confusion in my mother disappear .
And instead of being angry , and feeling like she was cheated ; instead of being saddened at how unstructured and how uncertain her life suddenly became , she became the most joy filled person I have ever met .
She would open her eyes and genuinely rejoice that she had another day here , that she got to see another sunrise , that she got to hold my father ’ s hand just one more day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces , and eat dinner as a family , and be present with us .
Because that is what uncertainty gifts you .
That is what happens when everything is challenged , and you really connect with the fact that you are alive .
That tomorrow is never promised .
That things will always be out of your control .
That the only thing you can control is your gratitude — your gratitude for another day , your gratitude for having woken up , your gratitude for a warm cup of coffee or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , your gratitude for your health , for shelter , for the fact that you were given another 24 hours to put your heart into this world .
Nothing in this life is certain .
And this uncertainty is hard because it really drives that home .
Uncertainty is hard because it reminds you that you are not in control .
That things can change so quickly , that so much can be taken .
But instead of focusing on those fears , I urge you to focus on what that means .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to live each day in gratitude .
Be present in your life .
Be thankful that you are here , and know that you aren ’ t promised anything .
Life is a mess you will never be able to contain .
All you can do is crash your whole soul into it .
All you can do is wake up happy for another day , another chance , to find even the smallest bit of beauty within it .
So , go live accordingly .
3 .
Be patient with your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Do not vilify yourself for taking longer to move on than you had hoped .
Healing is not linear .
In a society that seems to be so fixated on instant gratification , just be the person who accepts that moving on will not happen overnight .
Do not try to dismiss your feelings , or sweep them under the rug .
Take your time .
Be gentle with yourself .
Because , the truth is , if you cared about someone , if you let them leave pieces of themselves littered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart , you are going to have to come to terms with the fact that you will not move on in an instant .
You will slowly let go , in so many different ways , at different periods of your life , and there is no timeline for that because it is a deeply individual process .
And what I mean by that is — your healing will find you in places you never thought it would .
You will let go in the obvious , tangible ways — in removing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the photos from your wall , in learning how to sleep in the middle of the bed again , and so on .
But there are also moments in life , unexpected and jarring , that will come out of nowhere and those will be healing moments , too .
You will let go of them when you smell their perfume in public and it doesn ’ t make your stomach flip .
You will let go of them when your song comes on the radio and it doesn ’ t scratch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt like to fall in love with them .
You will let go of them when you hear that they were out with another person , that they are slowly opening their heart to the world again .
You will let go when you decide to do the same .
And this doesn ’ t mean that you are fully healed , but this means that you are taking the steps .
That you are learning how to exist with the memory of them , that you are not trying to rush it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are learning how to be thankful for it , how to slowly appreciate it for what it has taught you without needing it back .
I hope you give yourself permission to be patient with your healing .
This is your reminder that it is happening , even when it does not feel like it .
And within that same reminder of patience , I just want to remind you that love is not meant to hurt .
That love can be soft .
That you are not asking for too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when you strive to find something foundational .
Because don ’ t you deserve to find someone who chooses you the way you choose them ?
Don ’ t you deserve to find someone who reciprocates your love , who wants to hold you on your hard days , who wants to encourage your growth and see you realize your dreams and celebrate birthdays with you , and milestones with you , and make the sunniest kind of memories with you ?
Don ’ t you deserve to find someone who wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and know deeply in their heart that you are something special , that you are their favourite thing ?
Don ’ t you deserve to find someone who sees you — who actually sees you , in all that is light and all that is dark within you , in all of your mess and all of your virtue ?
Don ’ t you deserve someone who loves you there ?
Don ’ t you deserve to find someone who knows , with a ruthless certainty , that they found the kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The kind of human being they want to nurture , and encourage , and experience the smallest , most nameless things with ?
Don ’ t you deserve that kind of beauty ?
That kind of peace ?
Don ’ t you deserve to find someone who shows up ?
Someone who wants to laugh with you in bed at 2am when you both can ’ t sleep .
Someone who wants to wrap you up between their arms on a rainy day ?
Someone who wants to be the reason why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Someone who wants to make dinner with you , and slow dance in the kitchen with you , and squeeze your hand at the scary parts of the movie you ’ re watching together ?
Don ’ t you deserve someone who wants all of that ?
Someone who wants to be in your life ?
Someone who chooses depth over distance ?
This is your reminder to let go of anything that does not serve that version of love in your life .
And I know a lot of you need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to let go of anything that does not hold your heart .
Let go of those who love you in halves , who will never be able to give you what you deeply desire .
Do not hold space in your heart for those who are not showing up to claim it .
Love is not pain .
Love is not hurt .
Love is good , and you deserve good love .
Release anything that does not honor that .

iTunes This article is inspired by episode #27 of the In Your Feelings Podcast, a collaboration from Thought Catalog and Bianca Sparacino. Subscribe here: Spotify
1. You don’t have to feel sorry for loving someone.
You don’t have to feel sorry for caring. For trusting that the people you gave your heart to were going to value it, and nurture it. You don’t have to feel like you made a mistake, like you need to be ashamed for believing in the goodness and the beauty of another human being. And I know that it can be really disorienting when you feel so deeply for those in your life, when love pours out of you like rain, when you feel so much potential, and so much hope, and then you are asked to set it down. I know what it feels like to hold that weight within yourself, to look at an almost or a relationship or the connection you felt with another person, to reminisce about the beginning, the beauty, the way you looked at them and just knew that they were going to affect your life, that they were going to be a special part of it. And I know what it is like to be here now, in the aftermath of that human being. And I know it hurts. And I know it can leave your heart feeling like a heavy and haunted thing. I know it can make you question yourself, I know it can make you feel like you needed to be more, or care more, or try more, just to make someone see the value in the love you were giving them.
But I also know that you deserve to be loved and chosen, not almost loved, or almost chosen. You deserve something pointed. You deserve something real. And at the end of the day, you also deserve to be proud of yourself for trying for something. You deserve to defend your heart, and the way you love, and how you show up here. Not every single person you feel something deep and meaningful with is going to stay. Some people come into our lives and they teach us how to love, how to hope, they show us that the goodness was always meant to find us, that it was always meant to stay. And some people, some people teach us how not to love. How not to settle. How to stand up for what we truly desire, how to choose ourselves for once, how to stop pouring into empty vessels, how to give that love back to ourselves. Either way, the lesson remains. And the scars remain. And the wounds remain. And the hurt and the hope remains. And it’s all within you, but it isn’t a testament of failure. It is a testament of faith. Because in a world that sometimes fails to love deeply, in a generation that always seems to be choosing distance over depth, you chose to believe in something. You chose to try for something. Despite the way you have been hurt in the past, you decided to crash your heart into someone who ignited something within it. You chose to hope for something. And that is nothing to be ashamed of. That is something to celebrate. That is something to protect.
2. The uncertainty right now is here to teach you.
I know the uncertainty feels scary right now. That you are grieving the loss of what you thought was normal, what you hoped for, what you wanted from this year. I know being asked to stay still, having so much changed within your lives so quickly, and so abruptly, in ways that feel overwhelming and mysterious, can be really heavy. I know that so many of you are afraid of this uncertainty, you have never felt it before. But I want you to connect with the fact that all of your life has been uncertain. Because no day is ever promised to you.
We can make all the plans, and have all the hopes, and dream of all the trips, and think about all the people we are going to meet, and we can think that we have it all figured out. That we are on our journey, that we know what makes us happy, and even if that’s not the case, that we are moving forward. That we are going in the direction of clarity, that we are going to have the opportunity to make sense of our purpose, and our hearts, and what we want in this world. We live life with so much certainty surrounding what is coming, sometimes we forget that we can only be certain of the now.
And I hope that doesn’t sound cliche, but this is why this resonates so deeply for me, in relation to the uncertainty that is happening in this world right now. Life has always been uncertain. My mother went to the doctors thinking that she pulled a muscle in her neck, and ended up being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. She had so many plans. She had so many dreams. And so many hopes. She was empowered, and beautiful, and had this idea of what she wanted her life to look like. And then she got sick. Very out of the blue, in this abrupt and immense way. And from there — everything changed. Life simplified. She didn’t know how much time she had. She didn’t know what her future held anymore. She didn’t know if she would beat it, or if she would even wake up the next day. And that uncertainty, that not knowing, that feeling like life was suddenly so different than what she had wished for — at first it felt unfair. Like time was being taken away from her. Like she wanted to grip at her past concept of what was waiting for her in her future. And I think that is how a lot of you are feeling right now. Like so much was taken from you. Like you don’t know what is waiting on the other side of all of this.
And the truth is — you won’t ever know. That is one of the biggest lessons my mother taught me. Sometimes life goes to plan, and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes, the things you are the most certain about, end up dissipating or being taken from you or not coming to fruition. Slowly, I saw the fear and the confusion in my mother disappear. And instead of being angry, and feeling like she was cheated; instead of being saddened at how unstructured and how uncertain her life suddenly became, she became the most joy filled person I have ever met. She would open her eyes and genuinely rejoice that she had another day here, that she got to see another sunrise, that she got to hold my father’s hand just one more day, that she got to kiss our faces, and eat dinner as a family, and be present with us. Because that is what uncertainty gifts you. That is what happens when everything is challenged, and you really connect with the fact that you are alive. That tomorrow is never promised. That things will always be out of your control. That the only thing you can control is your gratitude — your gratitude for another day, your gratitude for having woken up, your gratitude for a warm cup of coffee or a beautiful moment with someone you love, your gratitude for your health, for shelter, for the fact that you were given another 24 hours to put your heart into this world.
Nothing in this life is certain. And this uncertainty is hard because it really drives that home. Uncertainty is hard because it reminds you that you are not in control. That things can change so quickly, that so much can be taken. But instead of focusing on those fears, I urge you to focus on what that means. I urge you to let it empower you to live each day in gratitude. Be present in your life. Be thankful that you are here, and know that you aren’t promised anything. Life is a mess you will never be able to contain. All you can do is crash your whole soul into it. All you can do is wake up happy for another day, another chance, to find even the smallest bit of beauty within it. So, go live accordingly.
3. Be patient with your hearts.
Do not rush your healing. Do not vilify yourself for taking longer to move on than you had hoped. Healing is not linear. In a society that seems to be so fixated on instant gratification, just be the person who accepts that moving on will not happen overnight. Do not try to dismiss your feelings, or sweep them under the rug. Take your time. Be gentle with yourself.
Because, the truth is, if you cared about someone, if you let them leave pieces of themselves littered within your memories, knotted to your heart, you are going to have to come to terms with the fact that you will not move on in an instant. You will slowly let go, in so many different ways, at different periods of your life, and there is no timeline for that because it is a deeply individual process.
And what I mean by that is — your healing will find you in places you never thought it would. You will let go in the obvious, tangible ways — in removing their things from your apartment, in taking down the photos from your wall, in learning how to sleep in the middle of the bed again, and so on. But there are also moments in life, unexpected and jarring, that will come out of nowhere and those will be healing moments, too. You will let go of them when you smell their perfume in public and it doesn’t make your stomach flip. You will let go of them when your song comes on the radio and it doesn’t scratch painfully at the memory of what it felt like to fall in love with them. You will let go of them when you hear that they were out with another person, that they are slowly opening their heart to the world again. You will let go when you decide to do the same. And this doesn’t mean that you are fully healed, but this means that you are taking the steps. That you are learning how to exist with the memory of them, that you are not trying to rush it out the door, but rather, you are learning how to be thankful for it, how to slowly appreciate it for what it has taught you without needing it back.
I hope you give yourself permission to be patient with your healing. This is your reminder that it is happening, even when it does not feel like it.
And within that same reminder of patience, I just want to remind you that love is not meant to hurt. That love can be soft. That you are not asking for too much in this world, or this generation, when you strive to find something foundational. Because don’t you deserve to find someone who chooses you the way you choose them? Don’t you deserve to find someone who reciprocates your love, who wants to hold you on your hard days, who wants to encourage your growth and see you realize your dreams and celebrate birthdays with you, and milestones with you, and make the sunniest kind of memories with you?
Don’t you deserve to find someone who wants to stand by your side, firmly, and know deeply in their heart that you are something special, that you are their favourite thing? Don’t you deserve to find someone who sees you — who actually sees you, in all that is light and all that is dark within you, in all of your mess and all of your virtue? Don’t you deserve someone who loves you there?
Don’t you deserve to find someone who knows, with a ruthless certainty, that they found the kind of human being they want to protect? The kind of human being they want to nurture, and encourage, and experience the smallest, most nameless things with? Don’t you deserve that kind of beauty? That kind of peace?
Don’t you deserve to find someone who shows up? Someone who wants to laugh with you in bed at 2am when you both can’t sleep. Someone who wants to wrap you up between their arms on a rainy day? Someone who wants to be the reason why a smile dances across your face? Someone who wants to make dinner with you, and slow dance in the kitchen with you, and squeeze your hand at the scary parts of the movie you’re watching together? Don’t you deserve someone who wants all of that? Someone who wants to be in your life? Someone who chooses depth over distance?
This is your reminder to let go of anything that does not serve that version of love in your life. And I know a lot of you need to hear this today. Give yourself permission to let go of anything that does not hold your heart. Let go of those who love you in halves, who will never be able to give you what you deeply desire. Do not hold space in your heart for those who are not showing up to claim it. Love is not pain. Love is not hurt. Love is good, and you deserve good love. Release anything that does not honor that.