I'm here Liese, just struggling.

If I were you and you couldn't find something that I would honestly enjoy with my friends then I would say no thanks and do what I wanted by myself or with someone new to my life that wanted to do what I was interested in. I would feel like I "wasted" my birthday trip/celebration/experience if I did something only they wanted to do. It is difficult to do this but I have started saying no to family trips (Vegas with my sisters and cousins) because it wasn't what I wanted to spend my money on. I am sorry that you couldn't find a compromise.

Me, I would much rather be alone and enjoying myself than with friends and frustrated!

Sorry they couldn't work out a compromise, though. That seems a shame.

Well, it hasn't gotten to the point of not being able to compromise. I was getting tired of researching and have everyone saying no to everything I suggested. It just felt like a big hassle. We are all coming from different parts of the country and that's another factor.

I was just feeling down about it all. Thanks for being supportive.

Liese

Last year in July was the first time I had been on holiday for a very long time. It was with a group of girl friends. We went to Italy because one girl wanted to do the Flight of the Angel, I said I would do it with her. While we were doing that the other girls looked around the little village and one did some sketching. The week that we were away, we did a bit of beach, I hate that but the others wanted it, we all did something through the week that suited us, the others just went along, it was a good time had by all, a little compromise and everyone will find something.

hope it works out.

Hey Scars,

Thanks for the advice. Italy sounds wonderful. It's great that you were all able to set up things you all wanted to do. I feel like I'm doing all the compromising though that might be old tapes playing in my head. Two of them seem to want beach, sun and all inclusives while the other two of us seem to want fun city, not so much heat and more of an ala carte experience so we can enjoy the local food. I am one of the city lovers. The other city lover is being quiet right now and not participating in the email discussion. I decided to be honest and told them that sun and sand is my biggest nightmare. I wouldn't mind being near sun and sand or going to the beach for a day but it's just not something I'm into for the entire vacation. We will see how they respond. I feel like I'm being the difficult one. Maybe it's just that we are all very different people. They are old childhood friends and so you know how that can be.

Thanks for the great suggestions.

Well, just to update, I threw it out there that I just couldn't do a beach vacation and we finally came up with a destination we are all excited about and that's the way it should be!!!!

Hi Liese...

I was going to suggest a Caribbean cruise. Every one gets a little of what they want. There is so much to do and you never feel alone even if your friends are off doing their own thing. I love cruising. Plus it's nice to be waited on hand and foot.

Glad you found something.

TN

Liese I am glad it seems to be sorted.

When I went away with the girls, we only booked our flights and a car!!!! no accommodation, nothing, it was a bit scary but we did it. None of us speaking Italian, only a phrase book, great fun, arm movements galore.

Yea! Glad to hear it worked out Liese! Fifty and fabulous deserves fantastic fun with friends!

Yay Liese