Woman, 28, Tired of Only Celebrating Weddings or Kids—so She Makes a Plan
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A 28-year-old woman's way of highlighting her friends' achievements—even if they are not what has traditionally been deemed important milestones—has resonated with viewers on TikTok.
Madi Beumee, who is based in Boston, Massachusetts, took to the platform on April 9 to describe what she calls the "one big thing" method, to ensure that all her friends feel loved and supported. The post, shared under her account @madibeumee, has since been viewed more than 606,000 times and has been liked by over 84,000 users.
Viewers watched as Beumee described asking her friends at the start of the year: "What is your one big thing where, when you achieve it or check it off your list, we can celebrate you?" The video's resonance has been deep, striking a cultural nerve among older Gen Zers and younger millennials navigating life outside the milestones society traditionally celebrates.
From left: Madi Beumee speaks in a TikTok video; and poses for a professional headshot.
From left: Madi Beumee speaks in a TikTok video; and poses for a professional headshot.
@madibeumee
Beumee told Newsweek: "After spending the last few years really yearning for the traditional milestones and placing a lot of personal value into 'when it would finally happen,' when that was no longer in the cards, I was sort of forced to reevaluate what the new milestones in my life are that are in my control, that make me happy, and that I can celebrate, unrelated to getting married or having babies."
The creator said that her approach has only strengthened the bonds she has with others in a new city.
"I moved to a brand-new city in October, so a lot of my friendships are newer and I think that asking about and celebrating 'the one big thing' has been a really easy way to show up for these new friends and say, 'I got you, I'm here for you, and I want you to feel celebrated,'" she added.
Beumee had told viewers on TikTok that she is "of the belief" that, if you are in your late 20s or early 30s, a lot of big celebrations are down to someone having a baby or getting married.
The comments section of her post quickly became a space for viewers to share how much they could relate to how she feels, and how much they like her different approach.
"Love this," one viewer said. "As someone who isn't prioritizing those things I feel constantly minimized and there is such a lack of equality in how much we're asked to spend [time and money] when we have different goals!"
"Promotion, new job, buys at house, starts therapy," another added. "So many versions of big things."
"My friend got accepted onto a funded Ph.D. a couple of weeks ago," a third viewer said. "I got her flowers and we went to a coffee shop of her choice to get drinks and cake [because] it's not every day you get onto a Ph.D.!"
"I did a sushi making party for my 100 days of Japanese Duolingo," one comment read. "To me it was a big thing."
For Beumee, who has over 50,000 followers on TikTok, sharing her life online and speaking about her feelings on social media is nothing new.
"Whether it's been my move to a new city, or roundups of what's happening in Boston, sharing online has truly changed my life," Beumee said. "I've made some of my best friends through TikTok."
Still, it is the response to this particular message that has left her most moved.
"It's through viral moments like these, where I am reminded the positive impact that can come from sharing your vulnerability with others," Beumee said. "I mean, have you read through the comments … Tears!"
Despite championing alternative celebrations online, her approach does not exclude celebrating weddings or babies in the future—she is clear on that.
"I also will sob when my friends reach those 'traditional' milestones as well," Beumee added. "But, in the meantime, this is important, too."
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