The scene

You're downtown at your favorite bar. You and your friends order a drink and look to the door. Here comes the most obnoxious and loudest group of people you've ever seen. They come closer: their outfits are all gorgeous, their hair is perfect, and they are all laughing the cutest laugh, ever. Then you notice the sign: so and so's 21^st birthday. Oh, now, it is time to party.

It's the sign that gives us all hope of maybe a free shot, to hear the song "Birthday Sex" play at least three times in a row, and a clumsy, entertaining bar walk. Nine times out of 10 all three happen in a span of an hour. How do you know all of this? The sign.

First, you need to know the point of the sign.

1. To display one of the birthday princess' favorite things. Examples include Diet Coke, Chick-fil-A, and a favorite animal.

2. To ensure the birthday girl completes 21 tasks including, but not limited to, 21 birthday kisses, getting ID'd and, of course, blacking out.

3. To let the entire bar scene know that it is so and so's birthday.

The importance

Your 21st birthday is the beginning to all things legal -- getting drunk at a local Applebee's or being able to drink at a sorority event (just to name a few). This sign marks a milestone in a girl's life.

The picture is one thing, and the importance is another, but the real fun lies in the checklist. This is where you can see how loyal and great your friends really are. Checklist items may range from, “leave a 21-cent tip," to “take a picture with a cop." This checklist is very important so be sure to get the gist of the list before you fade. Twenty-one is the key number to most, so as long as you have that, you're doing great.

Now that you understand the importance and the points of the 21st birthday sign, you are probably picturing something. Maybe you picture your favorite animal, an elephant, and the sign looks something like this:

Or maybe you're picturing your favorite shoe.

You can even get as wild as this.

Whatever you prefer, remember the sign is a surprise. Your bf4l must make it. They'll know your favorites, from Chaco to Disney princesses, but you have to put your 21st birthday sign into her hands.

So, to all of you who have had the opportunity to wear the sign, I bid you a late congratulations. I am sure you had your bar walk, listened to songs like "Birthday Sex" and "Birthday," and completed your 21 tasks.

And to all of the ones who haven't quite made it yet, including myself, be patient. That night will be one for the books and more; don't wish your life away (mom moment). Your time will come to be the princess for the night and you'll be able to grace the presence of the bar scene with your ever so enticing 21st birthday sign.