My tip is to text or email the day before the birthday wishing him happy birthday, that way you've contacted him before the birthday and shown your interest, whilst not smothering.
It also lets him know your interested, and if he's having any sort of celebration or planning something on his birthday he has the option, but not the compulsion to include you.
Other things you could do to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket would be to consider joining some sort of local group.
I recently joined some bush care groups, and am volunteering, so something like that, or any kind of activity where you can participate with others.
You're already on facebook, so if you're comfortable with it, you could try communicating with some of his friends, friend request them, or do likewise with others from your work or companies you deal with in your work.
Friendships are a balancing act; you don't want to smother or make things feel too contrived, but you need to put in a little effort, otherwise your nonchalance could be taken as disinterest.
If your confident enough, you could just say to him outright that you are new to the city, haven't met many people yet, and would like to hang out with him over the holidays and his birthday, but don't take it personally if he has other plans, the way you've described it he's a busy guy, but usually busy people are pretty organised and can manage time for their friends ,family, and others if they have their priorities in order.
02 Jul 2013, 10:19 pm
