DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it rude to announce that today is your birthday, either in person or on social media? I’ve always thought people jubilantly declaring “It’s my birthday!” were just begging for birthday wishes or gifts. It seems tasteless. What are your thoughts?
GENTLE READER: That yes, after a certain age -- say, 12 -- one does not enter a room, or the social media equivalent, by announcing one’s own birthday.
If, however, it can be coyly and casually folded into the conversation -- for example, as the answer to “How are you?” -- Miss Manners would not fault your enthusiasm.