Would you react negatively if someone asked for your birthdate?

I remembered that about a year ago, I asked someone (an acquaintance) about his birthday...and his response was to ask for my reason.

The relation was going well and birthday is a happy event for everyone, and I thought of giving a birthday gift.

That was my only reason...but he became extremely serious and it became an awkward (unhappy) thing, because he opened up about his past issues (trauma) and ya know how it might be possible for people to do 'not good' stuff to others just by knowing the birthdate of a person.

He didn't believe my answer and he thought that there's a much deeper reason, although he gave me his birthdate in the end.

Surprisingly, up till now...I don't bother about him, and probably it's because of how that conversation went.
I had happy or funny ideas for a birthday gift before that...me being happy but he wasn't.

I have no intention of connecting or communicating with that person again, but this incident suddenly popped into my mind...and I was thinking that not everyone has a bad intention and that was an extreme reaction.

Maybe just sharing here and hear your thoughts?

Top | Newest First | Oldest First

Tuscan · 70-79, M

Many people do not celebrate birthdays, at least not after the age of ten. I would also react the same way as your acquaintance, if someone in a social situation asked me for my date of birth, or my mother's maiden name, my national insurance number of the name of my first pet. I don't think that is being intense, it's just being aware of your personal data.

Greenmantree44 · 31-35, M

@Tuscan

Really? I guess that might be the same for me.
Birthday Wishes are very common, but I did personally ask certain friends if they were free on my birthday and then celebrated or spent time with them on that day.
It makes my birthday to be special (adds more meaning).
In that sense, it's a way to be with friends and they are more willing to make time it if is a 'birthday'.
So far, if not because of that...I would not have any reason to celebrate my birthday.

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

In an actual real life relationship, that sounds extremely odd. Makes me wonder if he himself thought he was in a real life relationship. Perhaps he wasn't serious about it, and you are probably better of with out him.

This comment is hidden. Show Comment

Greenmantree44 · 31-35, M

@RippinKlouds

There's an actual difference?

Greenmantree44 · 31-35, M

@Greenmantree44

If there is an actual difference, I'll be that specific in the future.
I did not say 'birthdate' but 'birthday' but in casual conversation (maybe in that culture or something)...it also means the whole thing (day, month, year).

TheOneyouwerewarnedabout · 41-45, MVIP

June 10.. me and Betty

bijouxbroussard · F

I don’t know what harm asking one’s birthdate could do. The year could be dicey if the person was being less than truthful about age, but otherwise...it sounds like this fellow in particular had a few “issues “. 🙁

Greenmantree44 · 31-35, M

@bijouxbroussard

It's more of harm in a 'spiritual' sense. He wears several stuff daily even to work just for the sake of 'protection'.
I am not interested in causing suffering and I am not even sure how that works through a person's birthdate.

Basically a 'traumatic past' (I heard from his colleagues).

Add a comment...