What are friends good for if not begging you to drink with them? I was always that friend that tried my hardest to convince everyone that going to the bar on a Tuesday afternoon was a great idea. There was rarely a time when I wasn’t down to drink so when someone else had to convince me to drink, that’s how I knew it wasn’t a good idea. Here are scenarios when it’s perfectly okay to break out the booze and when it’s probably best to keep the wine corked.
When to give in:
- You just finished your last mid-term.
My gosh, celebrate woman! Drink because you know you aced your bio test or drink to forget how awful you did. You can probably convince someone to buy you shots either way. - Your friend just got into a relationship.
She’ll want to drink to celebrate. You’ll want to drink to forget that you’re the only single one left in your friend group. Order your drinks two at a time, soldier. - There’s a reason to celebrate.
Whether it’s a holiday, your ex’s new girlfriend is uglier than you, or you just bought the perfect formal dress, take a drink! If you look hard enough, there’s always a reason for a champagne toast. - When the alcohol is free.
Your friend offers you a bottle of wine or a cute boy promises to pay your bar tab (hey, it could happen). You absolutely cannot turn this down. Just don’t forget to pay it forward and buy a round -tomorrow- the next time you’re out. - You have nothing better to do.
No tests to study for, no meetings to attend, no dates to blow off. Embrace the fact that being in college means no one will shame you for drinking at any time of the day. The real world isn’t so forgiving. The bar is calling your name at this point. Go. Now.
When NOT to give in:
- You have a final tomorrow morning.
As much as you think you can convince yourself to just call it an early night and not stay out until last call to make sure you get enough sleep, it won’t happen. Whoever said “you can retake a class, but you can’t relive a party” was a terrible person. Get some sleep, ace your test, and then drink up. - Your friend just went through a breakup.
She’ll be drinking to forget his name. You’ll be remaining sober to make sure she doesn’t drunk text the ex or make terrible decisions with a potential rebound. She’ll be offended you’re not drinking with her at the time, but the next morning when her phone is clear of mistakes, she will surely thank you. - You have an important meeting/job interview the next day.
I’ve tried this one, ladies, so you don’t have to. I went out for the evening with a job interview scheduled for 9 a.m. “I never get hangovers. I’ll be fine!” I woke up an hour before, struggled to open my eyes, head was pounding. There wasn’t enough water or headache medicine in the world to fix me. Let’s just say I didn’t hear back from that company. - Before a class presentation.
Your friend suggests a few drinks before your project presentations. If you get nervous in front of crowds like myself, it might be tempting to do so before your professor forces you into your worst nightmare, but don’t do it. Not only will you have your existing nerves, but you’ll be extra nervous people are going to notice your buzz. This has disaster written all over it.