While I think that turning 21 doesn't change a whole lot in your life except the obvious "ordering your own drink" privileges, it sure does seem like a much bigger deal when you're the youngest in your friend group. Until recently, I had an under 21 buddy so now it's just me; ordering Dr. Pepper at brunch while surrounded by my fun and 21 year old friends and their mimosas, standing outside shot bars waiting for friends to come crawling out and go to a bar I can get into and keeping a close eye on bouncers and bartenders so their eyes don't see my hands with huge X marks, symbolizing my under 21 age, too close to a drink.
Except for the lucky people in your friend group or year in school who have birthdays early enough where they never experienced this, most people have felt this pain.
1. Being the designated driver every single weekend.
This responsibility automatically makes you the mom of the friend group. I personally don't mind not drinking when I'm out and I don't mind being around drunk people either but if you're over 21, you're never going to be a DD.
2. Checking your Snapchat and seeing friends enjoying happy hours and drink specials.
Looks fun and all but I get to watch more Netflix than they ever thought possible for $8 a month instead of $8 per drink so who's really winning here?
3. Seeing cute pictures at Wineries or Beer Festivals.
How can I get in? What happens if you don't like beer? I have so many questions but what I do know is that I want to look classy with my friends and take cute pictures in a Vineyard too!!
4. Staying in the car outside of Liquor Stores and grocery stores.
Honestly, this is a right of passage when you're underage in college and the trip wouldn't be complete without at least one phone call from friends inside making sure they're getting something that you actually want.
5. Being bitter about cover charges.
By far the worst part of going out to bars. Nobody ever has any cash on them and how much are you supposed to bring anyways?? The thing that is the most frustrating about this part is paying to get inside and then sitting there while everybody else begins the shenanigans of the night.
6. The look of pity when people find out you're underage.
It wouldn't be a night out without this super fun moment when you're reminded yet again that you are considered a child to these people. The only thing that helps me get through this is letting my saltiness spill out and reminding them that I'm not young, they're old.
7. The real pain of having a summer birthday.
The summer before you turn 21 is the longest. I turn 21 halfway through this summer and I'll be underage while I'm in summer school. This will be the longest month of June in my lifetime.
8. Making plans for your 21st birthday!
The best part for me is setting highly unrealistic expectations for the entire day and a trip to Las Vegas a month after!
9. The fear that people will get tired of drinking by the time you're of age.
Yes, this is a real fear of mine. I brought it up to my boyfriend last week and thank God he laughed in my face because obviously college students and people in their 20's will always be pushing the limits.
10. House parties are just a pre-game now.
A shocking realization for me this past year. My friends and I used to party hop all night or stay at just 1 house on a Friday night and now I'm lucky if we stay for one hour before leaving for a bar. I miss those houses and being surrounded by fellow under-aged people.
