I can't actually truly complain about being 21 because it is one of the greatest birthdays to occur since being able to drive. You can sit at the bar in any place and order a beer without being questioned, go to a family gathering and bring your own wine 'cause Lord knows you might need it, and the world is basically now your oyster. But with being 21 comes some much less awesome things. You are now pretty much a responsible adult and that alone is enough to make you cringe. So while being 21 does have some sort of glitz and glamour, there are some downfalls to such a precious and beloved birthday:
1. You are kind of a real adult now.
You can get into real bars with real life adults and you may not be ready for all that kind of responsibility. You may be 21, but it doesn't mean you know anything about filling taxes, down payments, or mortgages.
2. You can't mooch off of everyone anymore.
Because you are 21 and can buy your own alcohol, your older brother, sister, or best friend probably won't let you get away with drinking their alcohol. Now you have to pay.
3. You are now the plug.
To all your friends who still aren't 21, you are their best friend jack pot. You'll become the most popular of your friends, but at a cost. Now you are the alcohol delivery person to every friend who can't legally purchase alcohol. Too much responsibility.
4. Now you are expected to buy your own alcohol.
You can't get away with asking people to pick you up a bottle of wine. It's all you now.
5. It isn't appropriate to chug Skol anymore.
Or maybe it is? But now that you can buy something a little more high class, Skol will start to taste like rubbing alcohol. Or again, maybe it already does.
6. You will probably go broke.
Now that you can buy alcohol whenever your heart desires, it might be hard to contain yourself for a while and having a drink with every meal is only to be expected. Say "Adios" to all the money you made over the summer because you can kiss it goodbye.
7. Now you are at fault if you are caught drinking with people who are underage.
On a very serious note, you do gain more responsibility. While it is fun to go out and have a couple drinks with friends, it is important to remember that you are the one at fault if you are with others who are under the legal drinking age. Whether you like it or not, you become responsible.
8. Drinking and driving is never okay.
While you can now drink at casual dinners or parties, the probability of drinking and driving can increase. It is important to remember that drinking and getting behind the wheel is never okay and can not only put you at risk, but others as well. Consider alternatives to drinking and driving like taking an Uber, Lyft, or even taxis. Always plan ahead instead of drinking and driving.
9. There are no more fun birthdays to look forward to.
At 25 you can rent a car and at 50 you are "Over the Hill", but there are no other birthdays like your 21st. Congrats! Now you are just old and irrelevant.
