I like going out drinking with my friends. I’m sure a lot of 20-somethings also enjoy going out drinking with their best pals to have a good time, de-stress and forget about the past weeks responsibilities. It’s fun and alcohol in responsible amounts can lead to a memorable night. And with thanksgiving eve in just a few days, the infamous holiday to reunite with old friends as you all return to your hometown to give thanks, I'm sure this week will be no different. But for me there’s just one problem with having those vodka cranberries and long island iced teas: I drunk text and I am famous for misspelling every other word. Everyone is familiar with the concept, your semi-distorted mind thinks it’s a good idea to text everyone from your long distance best friends to ex’s to family members to guys you’re currently into. Drunk you finally has the courage to say those ridiculous things you may or may not have actually been thinking; regardless your subconscious is ready and hitting send. Now drunk texting people every once in a while isn’t bad, sure it may be embarrassing the next morning reading those messages you thought were a great idea to send at 2am, but we can all laugh it off and get over it, some recipients may even find it flattering. It is a different story though if you are like me and are a chronic drunk texter so much that once you have a few beverages you and your phone are glued. So I give you five alternatives to sending those embarrassing messages that you are sure to regret.

Have a friend hold your phone and meet new people

Now this may be harder than it sounds for some including myself. I know when I first tried this I basically had withdraw from my smartphone that I am ever so addicted too. But if you have a strong friend that won’t give in to your constant begging to see your phone, you’ll learn to get over the initial struggle and end up having an even greater time going out. You stop worrying about sending snaps and the obvious, (texting those you shouldn’t) and meet some awesome and fun new people. Actual conversation with others besides your group of friends can be great, and what’s a better time then when music is playing and everyone is having a good time.

Sing karaoke

I’ll admit it, I don’t have the best singing voice, sure its acceptable and not atrocious, but I’m not one to typically sing in public. But you know what? I love singing. I sing in the shower and to the radio constantly. Singing is just fun and singing karaoke to your favorite pop hits once you have had a few drinks is an even better time. Even if you don’t have the best voice, karaoke on a Friday night is your time to let loose and belt out those tunes.

Have two drinks (while still being smart)

Now this alternative is definitely not for everyone, because you obviously still want to be responsible, and nothing is fun about getting so drunk that you feel like shit the next day. But if you know yourself and how much alcohol your body can handle, order two drinks, one for each hand, just don’t chug them too quickly. Then both your hands are occupied and you’re forced to stay off your phone and to fight the urge to drunk text your ex or anyone else you rather not have to explain yourself to the next day. It’s really a win-win.

Go dancing

You honestly can’t go wrong with dancing. Its super fun and you burn off some of the calories from those alcoholic beverages, WHAT COULD BE BETTER? And who cares if you’re not the best dancer, its dark, late and everyone is a bit tipsy, so I promise you it will be a judgment free zone. Trust me, dancing is so much better for the soul then sending that fifth obnoxious misspelled text to that guy you like or even worse: your mom.

Drink less and volunteer to be the DD

I know its the least fun and exciting alternative, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break from all that alcohol and just have a good times with your friends. You get to watch your friends act crazy and do some embarrassing things, without having your own regrettable stories in the morning. Plus sober you is smart and knows that sending four or five messages in a row may not be the best idea, especially if you still want that person to think you’re ~normal~.