You should try having no friends. The only cards I got for my fiftieth were from my family and one from my sis which I had to buy for myself, for obvious reasons...
But yes, when you do have friends, so-called, they should make the effort. Otherwise they're not friends. Especially when you've had such a tough year. Steph, I hope this all in a tiny tiny way helped make up for the disappointment from your r/l friends. Jess, I'm so sorry you had such a crappy birthday that time. Needless to say, had I been there you would have had one to remember. I DO believe in giving presents. Man: who doesn't? Cheapskates, that's who. It's nothing more than an excuse. I bet Mr. Brussels got pressies on HIS birthday! I bet he DEMANDED them! Bah!