Almost There: Nearing 40

Happy birthday to me! Okay, let me rephrase that. Happy half birthday to me. Today is May 13 and I'm 38 and a half years young. My actual birthday is on November 13, which means that I'm a Scorpio, if you're into that sort of thing. Scorpios are born October 23 and November 21. We are brave, loyal, ambitious, and stubborn. So, how do I feel about turning the big 4-0 in 2027? Honestly, I'm not sure because if you've seen any pictures of me on Vocal, I don't look like my age. I don't physically feel like someone who's in his late 30s. When people ask me how old I am, many of the responses range from surprised to disbelief. I get mistaken for two types of people: a high school or college student. I don't mind that, because looking young is the reason why I have really good genes. The comment I get the most from other people is when they say the following: "You don't look (current age). You look like you're (insert random age)." I don't mind compliments like these because I use my youthful appearance to my advantage in many ways. I should've been an actor, because I could easily portray a high school or college student. Besides, in Hollywood, looking young is everything.

I mentioned at the beginning of this story that I was 38 and a half years young. Yes, I do celebrate half birthdays. I've started commemorating said event back in 2021 or 2022. Every half birthday, I would treat myself to either cooking a meal at home or buying something from a grocery store or order from one of my favorite restaurants. Nothing too extravagant and that's how I like it. The same is true for when I celebrate my actual birthday, because going out to eat has gotten more expensive these days due to rising inflation. For my actual birthday this year, I might go out of town to celebrate my final year in my 30s solo. We'll see what happens in the coming months. I've been treating myself for my birthday every year for nearly a decade. I've since outgrown birthday parties, but a party for one is what I've been accustomed to. However, I'm not completely opposed to having a birthday party thrown for me by someone every 10 years, such as for a 40th, 50th, and so on. I believe that those kinds of birthdays are worth celebrating. Don't get me wrong. 1st, 5th, 13th, 16th, 18th, and 21st birthdays are also worth celebrating. So why do I celebrate half birthdays? It's a way for me to do something myself every May 13. While they won't make up for the things I've missed out on that I wanted to do as a kid, I can make my own memories and appreciate them. The last time a birthday party was held for me was when I turned 14 and at home. After that, I grew weary of them. Fun fact: For both my half birthday and actual birthday, I have a cheesecake as opposed to a cake that is overly sweet.

Do you celebrate half birthdays? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments below. Please give this story a like if you enjoyed it. Subscribe to my page and follow me on social media. Finally, to show me some love and support me even further, please leave a generous one-off tip, which is located at the end of this story. No matter how big or small of an amount you give, it encourages creators like me to keep writing new stories.