I’m an introverted person by nature. It was just one of those things that made me who I am. So, for my birthday, I just wanted a weekend with those closest to me.I lit candles around my home, made some tea, and began cooking. I wanted everything to be perfect. I knew that my parents were going to bring the birthday cake, but I wanted to cook the meal. I wanted everyone to feel at home and loved—so I had carefully crafted my menu, making sure that everyone invited would have one thing they loved to eat. “Are you sure you don’t want me to take you out to dinner, Gabi?” my boyfriend, Jamie, asked the day before when we were grabbing coffee.

“Yes,” I said. “I want to cook for all of us. Other than you and my parents, it’s just Nicole, Jenna, and the boys. Only the closest people.” “But it’s supposed to be your special day,” he pressed on. “Don’t you want to be spoiled? I can do that. I can take you out.” “No,” I said, taking his hand. As much as I appreciated his sentiment, I just wanted to be surrounded by my people. We could always have dinner together any night. I knew that Jamie wasn’t impressed with my answer. He got along with my family and friends just fine, but if he could help it, he preferred to be alone with me.I got more excited as the guests began to arrive.