21 Thoughts You Have Before You Actually Turn 21 | The Odyssey Online
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21 Thoughts You Have Before You Actually Turn 21

There's no etiquette handbook for turning the big 2-1.

Victoria Greer
Aug 08, 2016
University of Wisconsin-Superior
33
21 Thoughts You Have Before You Actually Turn 21
Most Metro

In exactly six days I will be celebrating my 21st birthday... In a very stereotypical manner, I am beyond excited to kick back and relax with a few drinks. Maybe it's just me, but part of me is also weirdly incredibly nervous for all of the implications that legalism forces on a person, especially a young woman like myself. Here are 21 thoughts I've had before I actually turn 21, and I'm sure you can relate to some:

1. I'm going to be able to legally drink. Holy--

I'm old. Holy-- I'm old.

2. I'm not going to get drunk.

I want to actually remember this birthday, right? It's supposed to be fun, not sloppy.

3. I'm the only "legal" one of my close friends...

Hurry up and turn 21 already! I need a bar buddy, or even a box of wine and Disney movies buddy!

4. Well, maybe I'll get a little buzzed...

It is my 21st birthday after all... Maybe I should at least get a little buzzed. I have a DD and I deserve to celebrate and live it up. You only live once!

5. Will people look at me differently now that I can drink?

Does your 21st birthday hit, and suddenly-- BAM!-- you're in a new category of young mature adult?

6. What is the proper protocol when someone asks you to buy a drink?

Are they being polite? Are they hitting on me? How do I tell them I'm flattered but not interested? Or do I? There are no rule books on 21 etiquette...!

7. Tequila.

Is tequila really that dangerous? Olé!

8. One tequila...

9. Two tequila...

10. Three tequila...

11. FLOOR!

12. What are all of those rhymes?

Beer before liquor, never sicker-- That's a rhyme, right? Now that I'm 21, I refuse to get unnecessarily sick. But what if I forget which comes first?

13. Where'd all my money go?

As a poor college student, I can barely afford to buy new shoes every six months. What makes you think you'll be able to buy alcohol here and there?

14. Partaaaaay.

I'm so not a partier... But, if my legal friends want to go out and drink, I might actually get to go to a party or two. There's a first time for everything!

15.Are Disney wine nights a thing?

Because if not, I'm so going to make them a thing. Who doesn't love wine? Who doesn't love Disney movies? The two together = perfection!

16.What drink do I order for my first legal drink?

Is there a "classy" option for your first legal drink?

17. Where can I get a free drink on my 21st?

This is totally a thing, right? I mean, it's a right of American passage to receive a free drink on your 21st birthday... right?

18. How many is my limit?

So I've nearly decided that I don't want to get drunk on my birthday... How will I know when I've hit my limit? When is too much too much? My college experience has not prepared me for this...!

19. Just because I can drink doesn't mean I will...

Or does it? Will I drink? How much will I drink? I can drink...!

20. Just because I can drink doesn't mean I should...

There arerecommended limits...

21. This birthday will be something worth buzzing about.

And you totally know what I mean.

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