After dozing off during lectures, cramming in the library, and binging Game of Thrones, naturally we believe that our Girls Night Out, or GNO, must make everything worthwhile. Turns out, it doesn’t. Sometimes, being a homebody is more rewarding than dancing to Despacito with hundreds of annoyingly sweaty college students crammed into an annoyingly tiny bar.
In college, particularly, we go through these vicious schedules and emotional roller-coasters which only seem solvable through glitz and dance. I’m saying, you can have both of these things, and not have to deal with the cons of clubbing. Sure, you think getting ready with your friends and doing each other’s hair and makeup before going out is super fun and exciting–not to mention how pumped you are to finally wear that new black lace top you just bought– but sometimes, staying in seems just that much more appealing. You shouldn’t let the stigma around not going out on the weekends stop you from turning your GNO into a GNI, or Girl’s Night In.
GNI is characterized by extensive amounts of food, karaoke, and dancing, what’s not to love about that?
Clothing
Not only do you save yourself the stress of finding an outfit and matching shoes–and totally avoid the “screw this, I’m not going” fiasco–but you and your girl squad will have an even better time and could end up leaving closer than when you walked in. Not to mention, at a GNI, you can go #braless and just wear pajamas, a comfier alternative to stilettos and a bodycon dress.
Bonding
After the excruciating week you all have had, there will definitely be at least one of you who wants to rant the night away, whether it’s about the social construct theory or their latest Tinder match, you have to be there to hear them out. Trust me, once one of you starts venting, the rest of the group will be waiting for a chance at the talking stick. Having that bonding/ranting time will help your squad de-stress and have well-deserved mush moments. All it takes is one girl to open up and as soon as you realize it, you’re all sitting and crying together– talk about #goals am I right, ladies?
Feasting
GNI’s must have the best selection of snacks. The hostess’ dorm room must have an arsenal including items like Boom Chicka Pop to pints of Halo Top, ready for consumption. Hours of talking and sharing sentimental stories, you and your squad definitely worked up an appetite. There’s always that one friend that opens the chip bag and sends the aroma of grease and guilt around the room.
Music
Of course, no night is complete without the right playlist. By staying in, you and your designated DJ are in charge of the night’s tunes. Say goodbye to overplayed remixes of Bodak Yellow–literally the song of the year, FYI– and say hello to throwback One Direction songs, pre-breakup. From dance parties to hairbrush karaoke, the possibilities are endless once your girls are in charge of the mood for the night. Trust me, head banging to Harry Styles and strutting to Queen Bey is loads better then getting bumped into at a closet-sized venue.
Load up on ice cream, turn up your speakers, and get the girls together, it’s time to stay in this weekend.
Thumbnail Photo by: Jessica Devanni