Turning 21. It’s a milestone in every girl’s life that goes down in history even if she only remembers bits and pieces. Last weekend I joined the ranks of the mature people of the world who can casually order drinks over dinner and get into bars without flirting with the bouncers. I’m not a big birthday person, but this was definitely one for the books. As I reflect on the night, a list of Do’s and Don’ts comes to mind. For all of you out there who are still impatiently awaiting the glory of “adulthood,” here is a guide to make sure you turn 21 with class.
DO
-Wear a cute outfit. (This goes without saying). Chances are your makeup and hair might get a little sloppy, but at least your chic clothes can redirect attention away from that mess. NB: Heels with a birthday outfit are a must but beware of the traditional Georgetown cobblestone sidewalks. It gets uncomfortable when you show up to the bar with cuts and bruises from that tumble you just took.
DON’T
-Wear the most expensive shirt in your closet. My silk Vince top is no more after having several drinks spilled on it and mysteriously picking up dirt from the bar(s). RIP.
DO
-Invite your parents to the party. My dad happened to be in town and accompanied me on my various b-day excursions. He finagled a few of my friends into the bar to help me celebrate, even though one of them didn’t even have an I.D. on her. We’re not 14 anymore and hanging out with your parents can be cool—and let me tell you, there ain’t nothin’ like doing a shot with your 57 year old father at Rhino.
DON’T
-Lose your I.D. on your birthday. Sadly, I was only able to enjoy being 21 for about one hot second when I used my license to get me a Tomb’s forehead stamp. Somewhere after that it got lost and the only reason I was let into Rhino was because I was a) with my dad and b) had the Tomb’s stamp as evidence of my real age. Moreover, make sure you have your passport with you at school – I left mine at home in Connecticut and had to go back to being under 21 for another week while I waited for my passport to come in the mail. Here’s to hoping I don’t lose that, too.
DO
-Let your friends buy you drinks. And/or shamelessly let the bartender know it’s your birthday. A free vodka soda never hurt anybody.
DON’T
-Go overboard. Saying no to that last tequila shot never hurt anybody, either. A lot of people get sick on their 21st but avoiding that toilet time makes your birthday a pleasant memory, not a tainted one.
DO
-Get food after hitting the bars. A quick stop in Tuscany can help keep you alive and allow you to continue your celebrations at someone’s late night.
DON’T
-Let your friends take pictures after the first couple of drinks. Mobile Uploads are a mean, mean reality of life. Kindly refusing to document the night will save you from having to explain the photo of you dancing on the table, alone and without shoes on, to your potential employers (No, I am not speaking from experience here… simply using my imagination).
Hopefully this list will help you in your endeavors to have a happy birthday with no moral hangover. It’s not complete—everyone’s experiences are different and sometimes the embarrassing stories are the best ones. It all comes down to one rule: just enjoy yourself and revel in the beauty of your 21-ness.
Sources:
http://www.someecards.com/birthday-cards/turning-21-comes-with-the