Two plates = more room for cake.

I pride myself in being an only child that isn’t normally spoiled and terrible and bossy. Maybe one at a time, but definitely not the trifecta. But, let’s be honest.. being the only kid at home for most of my life made me very comfortable being the center of attention. Of all the typical only child traits, I think that being a performer is the one that stuck.

Pair that with being born a Leo, and it really only makes sense that I would make the event that normal people celebrate one day a year into an excuse to draw attention to myself for a whole month. I’ve even convinced other people in my life to refer to August as, “Your birthday month,” or, as I would like to rebrand it, “Lizzie Appreciation Month.”

Growing up, my birthday fell before school started, so when I started college I realized that I had a lot of birthday celebrations to make up for. Plus, I think most people are looking for a reason to party in August, so it has really been a win for everyone.

So, if you would like to commandeer a month for your friends and family to celebrate you, but you weren’t naturally born with the instincts to convince others of the benefits of your self absorption.. here are some tips.

1. Pick a month. For me, it was easy because August is far enough away from the major U.S. holidays that my birthday month isn’t normally disturbed by people celebrating something that doesn’t start with L- and end with -izzie. But maybe you were born in December? Or you share a birthday month with a close friend or family member? Don’t worry.. just pick a different month that works best and declare it yours.
2. Commit to your month and talk about it, ad nauseam. Don’t hesitate to hijack conversations or events months in advance to let people know what is coming – this is about branding and building anticipation. For example, Friend 1: Oh, the French Fries and Ice Cream Festival is happening next month, let’s go! You: OMG! That’s a great addition to _____ Appreciation Month! Let’s add that to our event calendar! People may roll their eyes at first, but after a while it will become so engrained that they will start viewing all the events in that month as appropriate or not appropriate to celebrate you. [For advanced only: Take it to the next level by congratulating people while also planting your Appreciation Month flag squarely in "their" day. For example: "Congratulations on your 50th wedding anniversary! Your party was so elegant, which made it an exact fit for an event in my appreciation month!"]
3. Establish your month’s brand with images and phrases. For me, I’ve picked a song (DJ Khaled – I’m on One), a color (aqua), and several adjectives (magnetic! lovable! True story.. I found myself saying the sentence, “Oh it makes sense that they were born in August too, since we are both so magnetic and lovable,” in conversation. With a straight face.
4. Distance yourself from events not designed to celebrate you. I’m not saying don’t go, I’m just saying feel free to say things like, Wow, this iguana wedding/work webinar/toddler graduation is really rainy/sluggish/chaotic! I bet this would be better if I were in charge of making this event more about me. No need for you to take responsibility for things outside your brand.
5. Wear something fancy. Not only will it make you feel important, but it will let other people know you’re important too. You don’t need to wear a crown, but maybe a tasteful rhinestone hair piece would be a subtle indication that you are something special.
6. Smile. Don’t be a Birthdayzilla. I’ve watched enough episodes of Bridezilla to know that if you act like a jerk trying to make sure everyone knows it is “your time,” you may be able to trick one person into loving you, but the rest of your friends and family may call the police on you and they will definitely point out your wedding dress back fat on national television. So, smile. And be nice. And have fun. Your month should be about what you like and why you are awesome. Don’t make it too hard for people to see that part too.