Happy anniversary

You can say it alone or add a specific detail. Say Happy anniversary! to your partner when you wake up. Write it in a card for your parents. You can also say Happy work anniversary to a colleague. It is a flexible, positive phrase. Just remember to say it on the actual date. Saying it a week late is a bit risky!

Use it for romantic milestones like weddings or first dates. It is perfect for professional milestones too. Did your friend open a shop one year ago? Say it then! Use it in person, over the phone, or in a text. At a restaurant, tell the waiter it is your anniversary. You might even get a free dessert.

Do not use this for birthdays. Birthdays are for people; anniversaries are for events. Avoid using it for sad events. You would not say Happy anniversary for the date of a funeral. That would be very awkward. Also, do not use it for monthly milestones. In English, we usually wait for the full year.

In Western culture, anniversaries are a big deal. The first anniversary is the 'paper' anniversary. The fiftieth is the 'golden' anniversary. Couples often go out for a fancy dinner. It is a time to look back at memories. In offices, it shows you are a valued team member. It is a small phrase that builds strong bonds.

You might hear Happy 10th anniversary for a decade. Some people say Happy anniversary, love to be sweet. At work, Congrats on your work anniversary is common. If you forget the date, use Happy belated anniversary. It is a polite way to apologize for being late. Everyone forgets sometimes, so this variation is a lifesaver!