Waiting for your 21st birthday is long, painful and downright costly (I don't know about you, but paying cover to go into a bar under 21 was my least favorite). However, when you finally cross the finish line into legality, your world will change for the better. You can enter any liquor store you wish and buy just about anything you want at whatever bar (that you may now enter). You're 21 now and there's only one thing to do: celebrate.

Here's how that probably went down:

It's noon and time to make your first alcoholic purchase.

You earned it. So as you stroll down to the cashier, have your ID ready, because you are now legal and no longer have to pay your friends to do this for you.

But now that the sun's gone down, it's time to celebrate properly.

You may have made some kind of plan in the back of your mind to not get too drunk, but in reality you know there's a good chance you may need to be carried out.

For most of us, the night begins with a little pre-game.

And because it's your party, you'll most likely turn into an amateur bartender because now you're 21 and know everything there is about cocktails.

If you're a female, you probably are about to experience, "Sign Night," in all its glory.

"Sign Night:" an alcoholic scavenger hunt to complete before the night is over/before you pass out. Your ladies will be making sure you stay on top of your tasks as it's absolutely essential for your 21st birthday.

If you're a dude, you probably just planned to get as drunk as possible.

Not gonna lie, it's a pretty sound plan.

This is also a night to remember so you'll want to get as many pictures as you can.

If it's not on Instagram, did you really turn 21?

Not to mention you need to show off your birthday look.

Because it's a special night so you definitely put on your best outfit and your makeup is certainly "on fleek."

But be careful of who you encounter while drunk, because you could very well bump into the wrong person.

For me, I asked the wrong guy to sign my birthday sign. His girlfriend did not like that very much. Not at all.

But you could also meet other nice bar goers and bond with them while waiting in line for the bathroom.

Get a bunch of drunk girls in a bathroom together and it's one big pot of compliments, hugs, fixing someone else's makeup and mopping up all the alcohol you were sweating out.

After breaking the seal, most likely you'll head back to the dance floor.

And if you're lucky, the DJ is playing some super sweet throwback songs that'll get you moving in no time.

Then you'll need to finish your list of things to do on your birthday sign.

Whether it's taking 21 shots, dancing on the stage, or kissing a stranger, you have to complete the list. If it's on the list, you gotta finish like a champ.

And hopefully you'll have good enough friends that make sure you get home ok.

Because you'll need an Advil, a glass of water by your bed and some emotional support before you pass out.