A Hungover Love Letter For My Party People

Dear Party People,

I'm writing you a love letter today. Why, you ask? Because sometimes, the world tells you that you shouldn't stay out until 3am, have that next shot, or stay in bed until 12pm on Saturday. Every once in a while, you'll be asked to grow up, leave your late nights behind, and be productive earlier than is physically possible for you on a weekend. But you know what? It's okay. I believe in you. I believe that you are still able to be responsible when you need to be, pay your bills (mostly) on time, and take care of your fur babies.

Let me digress a moment - I think I did this all backwards. I didn't drink before I turned 21. I can honestly count on one hand how many "illegal" beverages I imbibed before I entered the golden age of Youthful Sobriety. Yeah, yeah... I was a goody-two-shoes and saved my parents from the headaches of underaged drinking problems. Not to say that I didn't cause them headaches in other ways - love you, Mom and Dad! Even after I came of age, I didn't drink all that much. I waited until I moved out and lived with a friend, and then began to "hit the clubs." We would take turns being the designated driver and it worked out perfectly. Then I dated a bartender for a few years and upped the ante on twilight shenanigans, learned more about which liquors I can trust, and that Gatorade is my best friend on weekend mornings. As much fun as that relationship was while it lasted, I've leveled up even further on party mode now that I'm single.

Actually, being single is probably one of the best things you can do for you. Sure, I do like being a good girlfriend to someone, and sharing in the awesomeness that comes along with having a partner, but at the same time - I understand that it's also okay to be alone. And being on your own allows you to do whatever you want, whenever you want. That includes getting home from work on Friday, sleeping from 6 - 11pm, and then hitting your usual haunting grounds at 12:30am. That includes buying shots for your DJ pals, dancing with your friends, and falling asleep fully clothed and in your entire face of makeup. 

Having a lot of fun also includes busting your knee wide open. Waking up in the morning, peeling off your already torn-up stockings, and realizing that you probably could have used stitches but never felt a thing. 

Every once in a while I'll hear someone say, "Damn, I'm so glad I grew out of that phase." I don't ever want to grow out of this phase. This isn't a phase at all. This is knowing my limits, testing them, and suffering the consequences. This is being young, human, and enjoying my life to my fullest. Sure, I definitely get more terrible hangovers at the age of 27 than I did at 21, but now I know to get my tush out of bed, put my big girl pants on (ahem, leggings), and march across the street to the corner market and buy Gatorade. It doesn't matter if I look like Hell warmed over while doing it, at least I'm taking care of my business. 

I like to have fun. I like to hang out with my friends, support DJ buddies, and I'm basically halfway nocturnal now. That's my lifestyle. I'm also focused on being creative on my own time, maintaining amazing friendships (shoutout to Marisa for putting up with my hungover self this morning), furthering my career, learning new hobbies, loving on my family, and so much more. Just because I like to party doesn't mean that I'm any less of a functioning, normal citizen. 

So, my party people, I ask you to support one another. Even if those party people are sober. Even if they are not. Even if they party in a different manner than you. Don't judge them. Step in if you feel it's necessary for their health or safety, but otherwise give them a mental high five when they manage to make it into work on Monday in one piece. 

Keep up the good work, y'all.

Love,
Jillian