From the age of 17 through my 20s, I was living on my own, so sometimes I wouldn't even tell anybody it was my birthday. It was not a big thing for me.

In this quote, Ruskin Bond reflects on his personal experiences during his late teens and 20s, a period when he was living on his own. He mentions that, during this time, he often didn’t make a big deal out of his birthday, sometimes even choosing not to tell anyone about it. This suggests that for Bond, birthdays didn’t hold much significance during this period of his life, possibly due to his sense of independence and perhaps a feeling of solitude or detachment from social expectations.

Bond’s words indicate that celebrations like birthdays, which are often marked with joy and attention, were not a priority for him. Instead, the focus was more on his personal journey of self-reliance and the challenges of living independently. His statement reflects a more private or introverted perspective on milestones, where the external celebrations did not hold the same meaning as the personal growth and experiences he was going through.

The quote also hints at a deeper sense of humility or simplicity in Bond’s character. By downplaying his birthday, he may be expressing a preference for a life that is less about outward recognition and more about inner fulfillment. This modest approach contrasts with the societal emphasis on celebrations and attention during significant moments, highlighting Bond's personal values of quiet reflection and independence.

Ultimately, Bond’s statement sheds light on his humble attitude toward life’s milestones, emphasizing the idea that personal growth and independence are more important than external celebrations. It also reflects a sense of emotional self-sufficiency, where significant events, like birthdays, are less about external acknowledgment and more about the internal reflections that come with life’s experiences.