I turned 21 in February, and I had an amazing birthday weekend! I loved every minute of it, because I was able to celebrate with lots of my close friends. Obviously, alcohol was involved (legally of course, since I did become of age), but when we went out, I did not get completely hammered.

Why, you ask? Why didn't I get so drunk that my friends and boyfriend would have had to carry me home? Why didn't I get so intoxicated that I would have sprained an ankle in the heels I was wearing because I could not walk straight?

First off, I wanted to enjoy my birthday. I have never been a crazy party girl and I never will be--that's just who I am. Sure, I will enjoy the opportunity to go out with my friends now to bars and clubs, but I never feel the need like some do to jump on the table in a dark and sometimes sticky room and go crazy.

Second, I wanted to remember my birthday. You know that saying? The one that goes "The best nights are the ones you can't remember with the people you won't forget?"

Yeah, that's a load of hooey.

My 21st birthday was very special because my very best friend flew all the way out from Florida to visit me and celebrate with me. I had a nice dinner with her and a handful of other close friends, and that night we trekked to four different bars (the last one just to go to the bathroom though), and yes, I actually remember all of it.

I remember having my first drink and turning my tongue blue. I remember dancing and laughing with all of my friends and the excitement of trying different drinks. I remember how much fun I had and how loved I felt because people went out of their way to celebrate with me, in college, when time can be hard to spare. I didn't want to get so drunk that I would not remember the great times I had that night. That just would have been pretty silly in my mind.

Everyone always talks about their 21st birthday experience like it needs to be a crazy night, but I was perfectly content. Did I have plenty of drinks? Sure I did, but I didn't take 12 shots and shotgun four beers because it just was not me. And that is OK.

No one should ever feel pressured to do anything they don't want to do, even under the guise of a celebration--even when it is a special occasion, you are still you. You still have your likes and dislikes, and you are not obligated to take those 5 shots if you do not want them.

On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with wanting to go out and celebrate your birthday. It is meant to be fun, and celebrating it in college is definitely an experience I will not forget.

I also will remember how enjoyable my birthday brunch the next day was because I was not so hungover that I could not enjoy it. ;)