"Happy Birthday to Me."


A woman on the bus today had Happy Birthday as her ringtone.

I’m referring to the original, rather than Stevie Wonder’s 1981 UK Top Ten hit. That would have been a less unusual choice. When her mobile went off, everybody turned around to look. We probably all thought the same thing: “Is it your birthday today?”; if it was, did she need to signpost it to total strangers?

There is, of course, a more depressing scenario. Perhaps it was meant to remind to her friends and family. Had she spent all morning hoping for a card or some acknowledgement, then changed her ringtone in a last ditch attempt? Imagine the guilt felt by her nearest and dearest when the penny dropped.

It's possible that someone sneakily changed it as a birthday surprise. I prefer that thought. Or maybe she just likes the tune. If so, that's just weird.

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