You have five major birthdays throughout your life: when you turn a year old, when you turn 16, 18, 21, and 50. Each one of those birthdays is special because they each have a meaning. It's always cute to see a 1-year-old on their birthday; you get to see them smash into a cake, open toys, giggle, and sometimes throw little fits. Once you turn 16 in most states you can go for your driver's permit, and after a few months of having that bad boy you can go for your full license and be able to drive on your own. Now this is where it starts to get really scary; next you have your 18th birthday, which means you are almost a full-grown adult; you get to go to college, you can get arrested and go to jail, you can vote for our next president, and buy tobacco (if you choose to do so). The best birthday out of all of these, though, is definitely your 21st birthday! Mainly because you can buy alcohol legally. And here are a few things that I want my future self to know on my 21st birthday.
1. Dress appropriately!
This is very important because if you wear something that is too short or too tight you can reveal a lot of things, and I think that you might wan to try and stay classy. Don't wear crazy high heels; you will fall on your face at some point in the night.
2. Do not take that extra shot.
You are going to be given so many free drinks throughout your night, so be sure to watch what you drink and be aware of what it is. It's awesome that you are getting free drinks and people are going to keep telling you to take that extra shot, but don't do it! Remember the cardinal rules or drinking. Beer before liquor couldn't be sicker; liquor before beer you're in the clear. And don't mix your dark with your lights.
3. Have a dependable DD.
This is very important to remember because you will not be the only one drinking that night, and I'm sure you're not going to be staying at one bar. Having a Designated Driver will keep everyone safe, and out of jail.
4. Leave from your home and be sure to return home.
Don't go out and meet some new people and go home with them; you can hang out with people at the clubs and the bars, but do not go home with them. Hopefully the DD will be sure that doesn't happen.
5. Have fun!
Go out and enjoy yourself. If there is drama going on be sure to not think about any of it. If someone tries to ruin your mood, ignore them and party on. No one should ruin your special night, and it all depends on you and how you take it. You are in charge of your happiness.
Last thing, drink lots of water toward the end of the night, and you won't have such an awful hangover the next morning. Drink responsibly!
