When in doubt, say nothing

is a parental maxim that I never quite managed to learn.
In any given situation, I will witter pretty much endlessly rather than contend with what might be (but probably isn't) an embarassed/embarassing silence.
Sometimes this tendency can lead to trouble.
At others, there's absolutely no doubt that there's only one thing that needs to be said

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARLING HATTIE GANDHI

Thank you for the first 22 years of joy as your mother - may today and the year ahead bring you equal joy in return.