Some married friends of mine had a one-year birthday party for their baby today, and I was an invited guest.

Not having any kids myself, I often forget society’s shorthand for various life events. For example, my hostess came towards me and blurted out, “I’m expecting!” I had to think on my feet here and decide if this was a good thing or a bad thing. But she looked radiant and her arms were opened wide to embrace me, so I assumed she meant a second child--as opposed to, say, a tax audit.

The party itself was fun, but it’s interesting when you’re partying with a one-year old. First of all, you have to be careful not to hurt her feelings. You don’t want to remind her that you’re just there at her parents’ request until she’s old enough to get some actual friends.

It’s also different from a birthday party with one of your buddies. With them, you can say “Hey, remember that time on your 21st birthday when you got so drunk that you threw up?” With the baby, you’re more likely to say “Hey, remember that time when you threw up? Five minutes ago?”