Birthdays are often spent surrounded by your closest friends and family - but sometimes plans fall through and we're left feeling deflated. One woman was devastated when she invited her pals out to celebrate her milestone 30th birthday only to find that they all declined the offer.
Taking to popular forum Mumsnet, the woman admitted that she was "really upset" about the ordeal as she's now faced with spending the trip abroad solo.
In the post, she wrote: "My 30th birthday is in March and I plan to travel abroad.
"Asked my girlfriends and had one that was up for it but today she told me that due to other financial restraints she's likely unable to make it."
She continued: "It looks like I'll be going by myself. I'm estranged from family, have been for nearly three years now, and bdays have always mostly been special prior to estrangement.
"I guess I'm sad because I didn't really imagine my 30th being alone.
"I'm spending Xmas alone too - I did last year and had a Xmas solo break in Cornwall but I'm saving up for this birthday so not doing so this year."
"For my 29th, I did do a solo spa break and I did enjoy myself.
"I guess I'm just having a moment and it's kinda bringing back like the lack of family I have and just my situation and having no one to celebrate with."
She went on to explain: "I know I will have a good time on this trip, but yeah I'm quite upset and having a moment, I'm actually really upset right now.
Seeking advice from users online, the woman pleaded: "Would appreciate some words of encouragement to take the plunge and do this trip alone, and just from others who have been in similar situations and had a good time?
"I've flown alone before to meet friends abroad before but this will be my first time fully solo abroad. Thank you."
Taking to the comments, sympathetic Mumsnet users put the woman's thoughts at ease as some even shared first-hand stories of their own.
One person wrote: "I'm sorry your friend can't make it, but you can still have a great time. I can totally understand why you're a bit upset though."
Meanwhile, a second wrote: "That sucks op. My 30th was in the midst of lockdown. Not even allowed out of my house. It was pretty dire."
"I understand why you're sad OP. I did similar though - tenuously it was for my 30th and I was also getting married a month later. I went to Rome on my own and had a brilliant time!" A third penned.
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