I am pleased to be recognized and loved on any date, at any time, in any fashion.
Let’s see; between your post & mine we have some people who replied that they don’t like being the center of attention, some people who aren’t big on birthdays in general, & some people who have plans, whether that’s to do something specific or just chill after a long day/week & you’ve just shot them all to Hell.
I’d assume that anyone throwing you a party is more than just a casual acquaintance & would know what you do/don’t like. If you’re going to throw someone a surprise party, you should know them well enough to know whether it’s their thing or not; otherwise, you’re really throwing the party for you, not them.
Precisely.
The actual day of my birthday/anniversary doesn’t mean much to me, it’s the celebrating with friends and family that’s important. So I’d be pleased.