Birthdays are special occasions that call for celebration and well wishes. While it’s easy to know how to express birthday greetings to your close friends, it can often be a little tricky when it comes to acquaintances or not-so-close friends. Nonetheless, it’s always thoughtful to show your non-close friend that you remember and acknowledge their special day. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to wish a happy birthday to a not close friend, providing plenty of tips and examples to help you make their day even more special.
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Formal Ways to Say Happy Birthday
When wishing a not close friend a happy birthday in a formal manner, it is important to maintain a respectful tone. Here are a few formal ways to express your birthday wishes:
- Social Media: If you’re connected with your non-close friend on social media, take the opportunity to wish them a happy birthday publicly on their timeline or through a personal message.
- Email: Send a well-crafted email with a polite birthday message, expressing your best wishes for their special day.
- Handwritten Note: Writing a thoughtful birthday card or note is a great option for a formal greeting. Keep the message simple and sincere.
Informal Ways to Say Happy Birthday
When you’re not closely acquainted with someone, it’s generally more appropriate to take a casual and friendly approach when wishing them a happy birthday. Here are a few informal ways to convey your birthday wishes:
- Text Message: A quick and simple birthday wish via text message is a casual and convenient way to let your non-close friend know you’re thinking of them.
- Social Media: Leave a friendly comment on their social media post or share a funny meme or image to bring a smile to their face.
- Phone Call: If you feel comfortable, giving them a short call to say happy birthday is a kind and personal gesture.
Tips for Expressing Happy Birthday Wishes
While there are both formal and informal ways to say happy birthday to a not close friend, regardless of the manner you choose, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be sincere: Whether your birthday greeting is formal or informal, always be genuine and sincere in your wishes.
- Keep it simple: Avoid overly complicated messages or long paragraphs. Keep your birthday wishes short and sweet.
- Personalize the message: Include a touch of personalization in your birthday wishes by mentioning something you know or appreciate about the person.
- Add humor: A light-hearted joke or funny birthday message can bring a smile to their face and make their day even more joyful.
- Use their name: Address them by their name in your birthday message to make it more personal.
- Consider their age: Tailor your birthday wish to suit their age. A playful and upbeat tone works well for younger individuals, while a more sophisticated tone may be suitable for older friends.
- Acknowledge the distance: If you haven’t been in touch for a while, acknowledge the fact and express your desire to reconnect.
“Wishing you the happiest of birthdays! May this special day bring you joy and happiness. Even though we aren’t very close, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge your special day and let you know I’m thinking of you. Cheers to a wonderful year ahead!”
– Your Name
Remember that the best birthday wishes come from the heart, so feel free to let your own personality shine through. Whether you choose formal or informal, the most important thing is to let your non-close friend feel the warmth and kindness behind your words. Happy birthday!
