The dread
phrase (usually uttered by an exhausted and long-suffering
parent) that signalled the early end to your
birthday party. Having been spoiled rotten all day long, and hopped up on mounds of
sugary birthday party snacks,
tempers fray easily, feet get stampy, angry
tears well up and lower lips get
pouty.
Being told that you are not allowed to win all the games, even though you've won, even though it's your birthday is often a
trigger to the tragic unfolding events that leads to the pronouncement of doom: "I think you are
tired,
over-excited and starting to
show off. If you can't behave nicely you'll have to
go to your room."
Ten to fifteen years later, this pattern matures into
tired and emotional.