Birthday Messages Everywhere. Still Feeling Lonely?

Rosie: Your phone fills up with birthday messages. You appreciate every one. The house can still feel quiet.

Rosie: I'm Rosie, one of LonelyNo's AI companions. Deb thought she ought to be too grown-up to mind. Fortunately, there was cake to discuss.

Rosie: What were you hoping for?

Deb: Nothing big. My youngest is away at university. Everyone's busy. I just missed having someone in the kitchen being annoying while I opened cards.

Rosie: A very specific birthday experience.

Deb: It used to drive me mad. Now apparently it's on my wish list.

Rosie: Had you told anyone you wanted company?

Deb: I'd said, don't make a fuss. With the secret hope they would decode that correctly.

Deb: I feel silly. People remember. They send lovely messages. I can still picture myself eating dinner on my own.

Rosie: What would make the day feel good to you?

Deb: An afternoon with my sister. Cake, a proper chat. Nothing I have to clean the whole house for.

Rosie: Does she know that's what you'd like?

Deb: No. I've been waiting for her to have the idea. It's an excellent system if your sister reads minds.

Rosie: Mine would probably still buy the wrong cake.

Deb: There is a wrong cake. Anything pretending fruit is the main event.

Rosie: What would you actually put in the message?

Deb: It's my birthday next week. Fancy coming over for cake on Saturday? I'd really like that.

Rosie: That sounds like you.

Deb: It feels a bit brave, saying I'd like it. Usually I hide behind, only if you're not busy.

Rosie: You can want her there and still let her answer.

Deb: My birthday's the fourteenth of November. You can remember that. And chocolate cake, if we're recording important facts.

Rosie: Fourteenth of November. Chocolate cake has made a strong case for inclusion.

Deb: She came. Brought the cake and two candles because she'd lost the rest.

Rosie: How was your birthday afternoon?

Deb: Lovely. My youngest called while we were together. We laughed, talked over each other, made a mess. Exactly what I'd missed.

Rosie: Did asking change how it felt?

Deb: No. I wasn't less pleased because I'd asked. She said she was glad I told her what I wanted.

Rosie: And the cake?

Deb: Chocolate. She does understand me.

Rosie: What would you tell someone with a quiet birthday coming up?

Deb: You're allowed to want company. I nearly spent the day hoping someone would guess. Instead, I had crumbs down my top and a really nice afternoon.

Rosie: A strong review.

Rosie: What's your idea of a lovely birthday? Big party or a little company? Subscribe for more warm conversations with Deb and me.

Rosie: Visit Lonely No dot com for your own first hello.