Well, mercy on us.

I've just been spending an enjoyable couple of hours chortling over Etiquette Hell, and learning that - apparently - it is Rude to have a birthday party for yourself. At least, so the Gracious Hostess of that website insists, to the point, ahaha, of bringing female circumcision and slavery into the argument... Dear me, if this little gem hasn't appeared on OTF Wank, well, there ain't no justice! It's here, if you're in the mood.

There's a torrent of indignant posts from, well, from The Rest of the World, insisting that hosting your own birthday party is normal, and being a 'guest of honor' on such an occasion is, well, not a concept with which we are altogether familiar.

I'm fascinated. Must Americans really depend on other people if they are to celebrate their birthdays in style?