With the tailgating, socials, and road trips that fill up Greek life schedules, it is important to remember that we have a reputation and an image to uphold, even when in party mode. One would think after a certain age, maturity would hit, and people will stick to what concerns them. Truth be told, and as you may have found out, that will never happen, as your actions produce an image of you that people feel free to judge.
As college students, our lives tend to be all over the place. From school to organizations, and even to making connections to our future fields, going out and having fun is almost a must for unwinding. Everyone has their own definition of having a good time, but for those over twenty-one, a Friday or Saturday night at a club with our friends provides an atmosphere where we can simply be ourselves, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
If you’re of age and enjoy social drinking, go on ahead and enjoy yourself, but remember that the way people view you based on your actions follows you around. I’m not saying this to be a buzzkill or to make you think that everyone is watching you, but rather for a bit of advice.
I’m sure we all have an image of THAT guy or girl at the party. You know the one I’m talking about--the one that has had way too many and becomes the main focus of the room. Whether it’s through humor, obnoxious behavior, or being rowdy, they end up being brought up in conversation the next day.
While going through how he or she was acting, there’s already an image being formed of the individual. Even though it’s all in good fun and no one is saying they are a terrible person, when going out, one already knows how he or she is going to act.
As funny as that can be, it does make it interesting to think about what image people have of yourself, and even what they may say about you. It’s all in good fun to joke about or with others, but when it's about personal things, it always takes on a more serious tone.
What do people say about you when you’re drinking or have had one too many? It’s pretty hard to change others' opinions of you, especially when everyone knows how you act. Even if it’s for the moment, and afterwards, the sober you is a hard-working student with a job and everything, there will always be that thought in people’s minds.
Going out and enjoying yourself after all of your responsibilities have been met is a great feeling, but having your name associated with a bad image is not as great. In no way am I saying this to scare you away from drinking, but know your limits and know how people perceive you. No one wants to be the subject of a conversation in which the person is being laughed at for their actions from the previous night.
Don’t make it your mission to black out just because it’s a Friday night; take your time, drink slowly, and enjoy the night.
