> but I actually really do appreciate being notified about e.g. someone's birthday - it's a gentle reminder to catch up with that person.
Just put their birthday in a calendar app. You'll be reminded every year, and you won't have to rely on Facebook. Best part is, their birthday doesn't change, so you only have to do it once!
Or even better, to their contact details in your phonebook, and get an app that reminds you of them. I now get notifications for the birthdays I care about, and can disregard Facebook reminding me about some vague acquaintancies.
