Bad Behavior

I've recently been reminded of an issue that seems to come around in waves, usually coinciding with the coming of age or birth of new social groups. Unfortunately, it is a lesson that each must endure and learn in their own time, sometimes to the complete annihilation of their social life. With that in mind, I'd like to offer my opinion and insight, from my own experiences, in order to possibly (but not probably) save at least one person from burning every bridge they have.

The issue is bad behavior. More specifically, bad behavior while enjoying time with friends. And even more specifically, bad behavior while enjoying time with friends while intoxicating oneself and others with various alcoholic beverages.

Also known as "Doing Stupid, Mean, Dangerous, or otherwise Rude Shit While Drunk."


I think all of us have had the bad night of drinking where we misbehave. Some of us cry. Some get angry. Some just become mean. Every once in a while. We are all allowed to have a bad night.

The problem begins when you have those bad nights more often than the good nights.

If you find yourself apologizing to your friends every "morning after", then I can safely say that you have adopted the "abusive boyfriend" habit and need to take a serious look at yourself. I call it that because, like the abuser, you get drunk, treat people like shit, and the next day, apologize, probably even genuinely. But the next time you go out, you do the same thing. Just so you know, your apologies will quickly become less and less valuable. People will start to expect you to act like a two-year-old and then call or text: "I'm sorry, friend" and, over time, they will either write you off, or become numb to you.

If you find yourself questioning whether or not you are misbehaving, then you probably are, at least a little. You now have a very important decision to make.

Do you want to:

1. Continue on as you are, because you like it and if people can't handle it, then they just shouldn't hang out with you
   
2. Take note of what you do and say while drinking, and be conscientious of your actions
   
3. Quit drinking and reassess your social life
   

If you chose "1", you probably are doing stupid, mean, dangerous, and/or rude things every time you drink and you don't care about others feelings in general. Keep at it, and enjoy making new friends, because your current friends won't be around much longer.

If you chose "2", you have to make sure you are truly aware of your actions, and you might consider asking a close friend to "chaperone" you for a while, just to make sure.

If you chose "3", you'll probably realize how annoying drunk people are when you're the only sober one, and either not hang out anymore, or learn from their idiocy, which leads to option "2".


There are probably other options, but these are the simplest ones.


Basically, if you don't want to be known as "The <insert derogatory term here> Drunk", either  
change your drunk behavior or stop drinking.


It's not that difficult. Don't be a bitch, or an asshole. Don't start fights, or engage in "pissing contests". Don't slut around (although that always brings good entertainment and gossip later). Don't be stupid. Don't drive. Don't vandalize.

If you're going to play with the big kids, learn to act like a big kid. Have fun, be nice, dance, sing, and laugh.


Learn how to be the life of the party, instead of the buzz-kill.