And if there’s one day of the year that it’s hardest not to cave and text an ex, it’s probably their birthday. So if you’re wondering whether it’s a good idea to text your ex “Happy birthday,” let me just give you the short answer: It’s (probably) not. “If ‘happy birthday’ actually means ‘happy birthday’ and there are no hidden meanings in the text, it’s appropriate and acceptable to text your ex,” says dating coach Tennesha Wood. If you think sending a “happy birthday!” text to someone you once dated/were in love with/etc. That said, I can understand the impulse to say happy birthday to an ex, especially a serious one who you experienced at least one birthday with.