Looking for the perfect birthday wish for your friend, family member or colleague?

Look no further. Here are 10 short and sweet birthday wishes that are sure to make them smile.

• We wish you all the happiness in the world on your birthday. You deserve it.
• We’re not getting older, just wiser and more experienced.
• Stay curious—and experience a year full of adventures and wonders.
• Those who can blow out the candles easily still have plenty of time to grow old.
• Growing old while staying young—that’s the true art!
• Don’t count the past years; count the highlights of your life.
• Happy birthday to the person who makes the world a brighter place.
• Wishing you a birthday that’s as special as you are.
• You’re one of a kind, and I’m so grateful to have you in my life. Happy birthday!
• May your birthday be filled with all the things that make you smile.

Why not be creative, run wild—and have fun?

I asked ChatGPT:

“Happy Birthday! On your special day, may the stars align to grant you unlimited wishes! May your cake be as sweet as your dreams. And may each candle bring a spark of joy to your heart. Here’s to laughter, love and a year filled with fantastic adventures! Cheers to you and the wonderful journey ahead!”

Do you have a favourite birthday wish you’d like to share with me?

Even when we are away from our keyboards, out-of-office replies help maintain professional relationships. First impressions stick!

The secret? A thoughtful out-of-office reply can generate positive feelings in those reaching out.

How?

1. Start with a warm greeting. “Thanks for getting in touch” sets a friendly tone.
2. Clearly state your absence and response time.
3. Offer an alternative contact—it shows consideration and professionalism.

Your message could look something like this:

Subject: Out of office

Hello [Sender’s name],

Thank you for contacting me! I’m currently out of the office attending a conference in London. But I’ll be back in the office on [date of return] and will respond to your message then.

If you need help before I come back, please contact my colleague, [colleague’s name]. You can email them at [colleague’s email] or call them at [colleague’s phone].

In the meantime, I hope you have a great week! 

Best wishes,
[Your name]

Or even this:

Dear [Sender’s name],

I appreciate your message! Right now, I’m attending a conference in London, and will be unavailable until I return on [date of return]. I’ll make sure to get in touch with you as soon as I’m back.

If you have anything urgent, please reach out to my colleague, [colleague’s name], at [colleague’s email/phone]. They’ll be happy to help you.

I’m looking forward to catching up with you soon.

Best wishes,

[Your name]

Now it’s your turn

What does your perfect out-of-office reply look like?

I notice that you use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English—it is the modern way and the best way. Stick to it; don’t let fluff and flowers and verbosity creep in.”

Ever felt a bit nervous speaking in a different language?

Imagine asking for a “baguette s’il vous plaît” in a Paris bakery. Sounds okay, right? But what if the shop assistant responds?

Learning languages is like a rollercoaster. Sometimes, it feels great. And sometimes … well, more like an embarrassing moment on ‘Germany’s Next Top Talent.’

The key is to be confident. Believe in yourself and don’t worry too much about mistakes.

Remember Günther Oettinger, the former German EU Budget Commissioner? His English was far from perfect, but he didn’t let that stop him.

Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RrEQ8Ovw-Q.

People sometimes made fun of him, but he didn’t give up. He showed us that it’s okay to speak even if it’s not perfect.

English is constantly changing. New words are added to dictionaries every year. And old words fall out of use.

So, if you think your English isn’t perfect, don’t worry. Just relax and remember Günther Oettinger.