For those who are unaware, 18 is the legal adult age in Australia to do what you want and be a wild bish,

I turn 18 on the 22nd of March (that's so close yay) and I've run into a problem.

I'm a social person, I like celebrating things and I like partying for no reason and for reasons because its fun and we all deserve to have a good time and get in touch with out eccentric side and just chill out and be ourselves.

I was planning on having a party/pre-drinks at my house for the few hours leading up until midnight, at which time I turn 18 and myself along with my friends would go hit the town, however I have this gut wrenching feeling that only a handful of the people invited would actually attend regardless of how many people say they will. It's happened multiple times in the past for my 17th, Halloween and an end of work party that I organized after the Store Owner cancelled our annual Gala.

A friend of mine who has recently moved to Melbourne offered for me to go and visit her that weekend, and we will throw a small dinner party with people I don't even know and get absolutely smashed.

I'm conflicted, because I would much rather spend the weekend in Melbourne with strangers, I would enjoy that a lot more because I honestly feel like no one will come if I organize something. That being said, I know that even though people won't attend, if I cancel out on having a party locally with my work friends, they will make me feel incredibly guilty about it.

I really don't know what to do.

Maybe you could do both? Go on the weekend and organise a party the weekend before/after?
I think on your birthday it's important to do what will make you feel best, for me that means no parties :p Which is always cause for comments from my wider circle of friends, but I have to be happy and enjoy myself. It's my birthday not their fun-time.

Your worth as a person isn't determined by how many friends you have or what others think. Try not to let the lack of interest of attending your party by some keep you from having fun. Just go with whoever shows up. If its only a couple, do something you all enjoy, like a movie etc. Its your day and what ever makes you feel the most comfortable and you think will be the best time, do that.

sam1234

I agree with Nathaniel. Go and have fun in Melbourne if that's what you really want, and have the party before or after -- it doesn't have to involve a midnight expedition. This is one of those times when you can eat your cake and have it too!

Sam is right, too, and if your party isn't on your actual birthday, perhaps it won't be such a big deal if a few (foolish!) people don't turn up. You'll just value the ones who do come that much more...

I agree with the others who say have your (birthday) cake and eat it.
My 18th and 21st birthdays lasted for days, this year marks my 40th and it falls on a Sunday so the celebrations/commiserations will stretch over the whole weekend with the Monday devoted to recovery.

If friends repeatedly don't turn up then are they really friends? Keep in mind that you're reaching an age when old friendships fade and new ones form, it's a natural thing as people grow up they grow apart.

Thank you all for you responses.

I've decided that I will definitely be going to Melbourne to celebrate. Nothing would be better for me right now than time away from this town, and what a better way to do it than going to a club called 'Hell', I mean c'mon it's perfect.

I'm thinking perhaps just invite everyone to Happy Hour later in the week, that way if I am disappointingly lonely, well at least the drinks are cheap..

My party was going to be the night before my actual birthday, which is kind of a big thing for me because for as long as I remember (back to when I was about 11?) I've always celebrated my birthday about nine months later, if at all. My three siblings got their parties all the time at the right time, my brother actually got his early so it was before the school year ended, but little old Riley missed out, I think that's why I crave for people to actually care about my birthday, haha. Stupid right?

@Jayne, oh how I wish mine could too, unfortunately, work. I'm hoping that I actually rostered off the monday as well though, because that way I can still have a minor bender.

It sounds like you made a good decision. I don't think your feelings are stupid at all. We are particularly prone to unpleasant events, both physical and mental, and they tend to leave a scar on us. Don't ever think you need to apologize for that.

sam1234

I've managed to actually find a friend who wants to go out and party with me when I get back from Melbourne, it's a good start.