I think it is a big question if OP knew she had any anxiety issues beforehand. If they didn't, then this is a shame - it was planned with good thought. Hopefully she knows this. As a person with bad anxiety I can relate to how it would freak her out. Hopefully the two of you can sit down and talk about it so you can understand how to avoid these kind of things in the future :)

Speak for yourself, 3.

At least you tried , but now for future reference you will know about keeping things small and private instead of drawing too much attention. good luck for the future I hope it all works out tho , I hope your gf isnt too upset.

Actually, I can relate a little. There are people that really don't like too much attention, and while your gesture was sweet, it obviously was too much for her. I hope everything worked out afterwards!

But I like it...

Well look at it from a positive perspective. You've informed many readers of a phenomenon that may apply to them. I, for one, will remember this when my girlfriend's birthday comes up.

I would have too but I hope she realizes how sweet you were being and appreciates your attempt.

Lots of comments, but my 2 interweb cents are worth as much as most peoples, more than others. That was an incredibly sweet gesture, but you should know your girlfriend better than that, hate to say it, but it was your fault for not knowing about her anxiety. Pay attention, Maybe she would prefer a nice drive to the middle of nowhere and a home made dinner under the stars?

Life lesson: people prone to panic attacks do not necessarily act well to surprises like that.

There's a Mexican restaurant I know that puts a fancy sombrero on the birthday person before serenading her. Don't take your girlfriend to this restaurant.