Let me just start off by saying… Halloween is one of the BEST days of the year (in my opinion, of course)! There is something about the costumes, the parties, the hype, and the funny, spontaneous moments that come with Halloween that we will never forget. But being prepared and aware of what the night has in store is JUST as important, so here are five no-BS ground rules for the safest, most fun Halloween night.
- Lock in the “Group Contract” BEFORE You Go Out
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While you and your girls are putting on your makeup and costumes, maybe even pouring some drinks to let loose a little, set this rule: leave together at the end of the night OR establish responsibility face-to-face with everyone right then and there. If your plans change in the middle of the night, don’t just text your friend. Go up to her face and tell her what you’re going to do and who you’re going to be with.
- Guard Your Autonomy (Your Look is for You!)
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Whether you are wearing the sexiest costume alive, a full coverage costume, or just sweatpants and a hoodie, what you wear is 100% your choice and NEVER an open invitation. Your clothes are an expression of your style and confidence, not a “green light” for anyone else. True confidence means knowing who you are and knowing you owe nothing to anyone. You should feel, and be, entirely in control regardless of the type of clothing you wear!
- Run the “Zero-Tolerance” Vibe Check
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Owning your autonomy also means being selective with who gets your time. If a guy makes a pushy comment, acts judgmental, or dismisses your friends, consider this an immediate red flag. A respectful partner will be non-judgmental and fully invested in making sure you feel validated and secure from the very beginning.
- Go Over the “Night Logistics”
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If you are hosting a group or leading the bar crawl, sometimes the pressure of wanting to make sure everyone is safe and having fun personally can clash. I recommend switching leadership roles. For example, have one friend be the “co-host,” and another be the emergency contact for the night, so you can also step away guilt-free.
- Always Have an Exit Strategy
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Let’s be real: going back to someone else’s place is fine, but the logistics need to be airtight. NEVER, and I mean NEVER, leave the bar or a party with someone without your friends knowing who you are with, where you are going, and your active location. Keep your phone charged, make sure rideshare options are available, and never feel awkward calling a friend if you want to come home!
Halloween is all about having fun and being your most confident self. Every girl deserves the peace of mind knowing that she is safe, can do whatever she wants, and can enjoy herself. Following these tips can help you do just that. Have the best and safest Halloween yet!