Should I wish him a happy birthday?

Before you immediately yell “No!”…

We both behaved badly during the breakup.

We had a good relationship until trauma rose to the surface.

He gave conflicting reasons for ending the relationship and seems to have deactivated. The last message he read from me makes it sound like I hate him.

That was less than 2 weeks ago.

His birthday is Saturday and I was supposed to be there with him.

It feels wrong to not wish him a happy birthday even if we’re not speaking.

I know a relationship isn’t a good idea but he expressed that he still wants me in his life (idk about now).

He cited my lack of an apology as a reason he didn’t want to continue working on the relationship. Won’t my lack of a happy birthday text give him further “proof” I don’t care?

I’m all about taking space and hopefully someday trying for a friendship. To be honest I do want him back someday as well. I think the breakup was a huge mistake although I see he needs some healing.

But then people insist no contact is the only way to get them back and that contacting them even slightly will drive them further away.

I just feel that completely ignoring him on his birthday will come across as cruel and further prove whatever negative idea he has in his head.

So…text or no? I literally just want to say “happy birthday, hope you have a nice day.”

Help!