the most embarrassing part of birthdays is what they reveal about you—how much you're still begging. i've cried into my pillow at 18. had my flowers stolen and passed to other girls. thrown parties for people who only came for each other. and then i turned 20 surrounded by strangers i'd known for a week. it was the best birthday i've ever had. because intimacy isn't about time. it's about attention. full essay at the link in my bio. eulogizing my teenage years, always and forever 🔗 #personalessay #twenties #growingup #birthday #substack