Why Turning 21 Isn't Everything It's Cracked Up To Be
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Politics and Activism

Why Turning 21 Isn't Everything It's Cracked Up To Be

Turning 21 is not like what you see on reality television.

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Why Turning 21 Isn't Everything It's Cracked Up To Be
Steven Castleman

Everyone talks about how turning 21 is the best day you will never remember. It's a day and night full of drinking, bars, and great memories you will never want to share with your parents. However, that is the furthest from reality.

First off, most teens now days already have had their share of drinking stories. Alcohol is something teens experiment with, so turning 21 is not a huge surprise. Teens already party and experience the drinking scene, so 21 is just the day they can do it legally.

Second, alcohol is super expensive at bars and clubs. Three bottles of beer in a bar can cost more than an entire case of beer at the grocery store. All the fun parties you see on television are not real. Unless you have hundreds or thousands of dollars to spend, it is not going to be the crazy experience you watch on reality TV.

Also, police! Drinking and driving is a major issue because no one wants to be the only one not drinking and not every place offers taxis. Walking in public while intoxicated can also be illegal in most states, so there is one more setback.

You will always lose something. Car keys, wallet, ID, money, something! Purses are too big and bulky to carry around all night in a packed bar. Wallets can easily fall out of a back pocket, and not many people are trustworthy.

Getting drunk seems like a jolly good time, but it can cause stupid issues. Some people get angry and violent, which causes fights for no reason. Bar fights seem cool, but they are not. The bouncers break it up, you get thrown out, and in most cases the cops come.

Next to spending all your money, losing some sort of personal item, and trying to find a way home, there is the getting sick part. Yes, throwing up and passing out in the shower is real. Worst experience ever. Clothes get stained and the smell of vomit will never fully be gone.

Hangovers!! The best part is waking up in the morning and feeling like death. Any smell makes you want to throw up and any noise or light gives you the biggest headache. The pain and suffering that comes after a night of drinking is not worth it.

Turning 21 is supposed to be the greatest, but it is not really anything special. The only other perks are being able to buy handguns, which for some people does not mean much. Strip clubs and gambling are also a plus in some cases, but it all takes money.

Not everyone can have a Vegas party 21st birthday. It is normally just going to the town bar with some family and a few friends. Turning 21 is not what it all seems to be in movies. So, my tip to you: if you want an awesome 21st birthday, either lower your standards or save your money.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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