There's a coworker who writes a full-blown paragraph in every single office birthday card.
By @marakinda · Work
It's always something intensely sentimental and borderline poetic. The rest of us just write 'Happy Birthday!' and sign our names, but he has to make it a whole production.
The full story
Honestly, it makes the whole card-passing ritual so uncomfortable. We pass around at least a couple cards a month, and every time, it gets to him and he holds onto it for like 10 minutes. Then the person whose birthday it is has to read this heartfelt, deeply personal message from someone they barely speak to outside of meetings. Everyone just stands there watching them read it. It's just...cringe. Nobody knows how to react. Is there a polite way to tell someone their birthday card messages are doing way too much?
How people voted
- Totally Cooked — 31% (34 votes)
- It’s Complicated — 36% (39 votes)
- You’re Fine — 33% (36 votes)
Readers are split: “It’s Complicated” leads with 36% — 109 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@xenakinda — Oh that sounds so awkward for everyone involved. You're being very considerate to even worry about how to handle it gently!
@mae — Honestly maybe it's just nice to see someone be genuine instead of writing 'HBD'.
@daniee — This reminds me of the best man at my cousin's wedding. His speech was 20 minutes long and super intense. We were all just staring at our plates.
@gabeforsure — Next time just 'accidentally' close the card and pass it on before it gets to him.
@paigelol — Can't wait for the epic poem he writes in his own farewell card.
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