I remember growing up and seeing people who were older than me going out to bars and parties. I remember thinking how cool it was and how cool they were because they were doing that and I, well, couldn't. I remember as I got older my parents got cooler, I guess that's the right way to put it.
They were my age once and they weren't oblivious about what was going on. It got to the point where I either was going to lie to them and get caught every single time or sit down and talk to them. I chose the second one. We had come to an agreement and I would tell them where I'm going and who with but not necessarily the details which was okay because they just wanted to make sure I was safe.
Coming into college for me was a lot different than the majority of incoming freshmen. It seemed to me that more times than not their parents were on the stricter side and they didn't really go out in high school. It back fired on those parents. I have seen a lot of students flunk out because of the freedom they received after coming to college. Freedom meant going out and doing whatever they wanted.
My freshmen year, my roommate and I went out probably two or three nights week. We went to clubs uptown and thought we were the coolest people ever. Looking back, I honestly wonder how we actually did that and made it to class the next day functional. It was all fun back then but it wasn't everything to me because it wasn't really that new since I was, in fact, allowed some freedom in high school.
As I have gotten older, gone out more, turned 21 and see people my age still going out, drinking, and going to bars. Every time I actually do go out, all I want to do is go home sooner than later. Now I don't find going out very appealing.
I have finally come to the conclusion that I am in fact a 21-year-old grandma. I love snuggling on the couch and binge-ing on Netflix. I like going to bed by midnight on a Friday or Saturday night. I like staying at home to craft a canvas. I would rather be with my boyfriend than out at a bar with random guys who don't know how to take no for an answer. I record and binge on HGTV shows so much you would think I'm training how to do it. I like not spending $7 on a glass of wine because I can go to Harris Teeter and buy an entire bottle for the same amount and I would rather not spend the money on an Uber to get home (but if you do go out and drink, please use that to get home safely).
I am proud to be a 21 year old grandma.
I have learned that there are a lot more important things than alcohol and going out to feel like crap the next day. If you aren't a grandma yet, you do you, but I'll be painting a canvas on the couch with HGTV on in the background.
