MISS MANNERS by Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: For almost 20 years, I’ve worked with the same group of nine people. Every birthday is celebrated with a party, cake and gifts. Every birthday, every year ... except mine.

No one, including myself, has ever commented on the omission in all these years. Twice, I threw out a hint by asking if anyone had dined at a certain restaurant, as my husband was taking me there next week for my birthday. But no one acted upon the clue.

I don’t care as much about the party or gifts as I do about the recognition that I exist. I know I should have spoken up years ago, but didn’t.

Shall I continue to keep silent and celebrate privately? Perhaps whisper the omission into a co-worker’s ear and repeat that process

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