It’s the birthday that everyone impatiently waits for. Finally, I can (legally) drink. But, while my 21st birthday was fun and memorable, being 21 has yet to feel as I expected it to. Whereas I thought being legal meant constantly taking shots and having an endless supply of booze in the fridge, I’m realizing that the truth behind being 21 is much less glamorous.

That being said, the new realities of my life are not all bad; they're just different. And, while I have my whole life to get used to it, I’m hoping it doesn’t take that long. So, from the perspective of someone who has recently turned 21, here are the main realizations I’ve had about my new reality:

1. Alcohol loses its appeal

As much as I still want to enjoy drinks, it definitely changes your attitude towards alcohol when it’s no longer considered a “forbidden fruit”. Openly drinking with my family really messes with my head; like, a week ago this was illegal, but it’s fine now?

2. Your mom turns into your drinking buddy

Jumping off the first point, whereas your parents are the main people you think to hide the alcohol from, now they drink with you. Shout out to my mom who bought me my first drink, and the few others after.

3. Dehydration

Adding alcohol to your usual routine, it’s not always instinctual to also increase water intake. It’s easy to think, “it’s a drink, it has water,” until its too late and you’re dehydrated. Balance is necessary.

4. You start to resent your ID

The first few times you’re asked to show your ID, you’re proud. Finally, 21. But, after a few days, it’s already gotten old. Never have I been so sick of seeing my own picture. Especially that one.

5. Factoring alcohol into your budget

Great, so you can buy booze now! Problem is, can you afford it? Grocery shopping was already expensive without the believed necessity of always have alcohol stocked at your place. Not to mention how overpriced drinks are when/if you go out.

6. Day-to-day life doesn’t change

For me, the change in my age doesn’t mean a change in my personality. The sole difference between 20 and 21 for me is that now, when and if I drink, it’s acceptable. But, I do it in the comfort of my own home.

7. Always needing a designated driver

I have never been drunk, but I am almost too responsible in that if I have even one drink, I don’t want to drive. I’d rather be safe than sorry though, so even if it means someone doesn’t have as much “fun” (a.k.a. they’re sober), there will be a DD.

8. Realizing your friends are still underage

So, now I can drink, but unfortunately, quite a few of my friends still can’t. That perfect scenario where you and your friends all go out for drinks together still can’t be fulfilled for a few more months. My sisters and I are in that weird transition too, where now only two of us can drink; sorry little sis, but your time will come.

9. Renewing your license

In the back of my head, I knew I would need a new version of my license, but it wasn’t until I got the instructions in the mail, with a statement for the fee, that I realized there is some paperwork involved with turning 21. Hopefully, your trip to the DMV is relatively quick, like mine. But, it also means a new photo to hate.

10. Drinking as a hobby

Knowing that you can drink can also make you subconsciously do it more often. I’ve already caught myself feeling bored and pulling out a beer to go with my Netflix sesh. Just be careful. You know yourself, your limits, and your tendencies.