In honor of turning 21 a week and a half ago, I'm going to share what I've realized thus far.

1. Drinking isn't as fun when it's legal.

The thrill of your grandma giving you a sip of her Cosmo is part of the fun of drinking something that honestly tastes awful. When you go to a restaurant and buy a drink, it's so casual that you just feel old instead of cool.

2. Pretending you don't know exactly what drink you want when you've experimented in your basement for years is a hassle. (Your mom knows, so why bother?)

Sorry, I've been designated bartender for my family for years and if you think that I haven't sampled my work, you're crazy. I still feel I make drinks better than the bars because mine pack a punch.

3. Bars are too expensive and not worth it.

Unless you're single and boys are buying you drinks left and right with no obligations (doesn't happen), paying $5 for a shot just isn't worthwhile when you have a high tolerance and could have bought a fifth of Jose with the money you just bought 4 shots for.

4. Drinking in other countries was more exciting than this.

Canada and Spain were fantastic on their own, but buying a drink at a club that's actually fun and actually plays good music was icing on the sweet cake of sangria and maple syrup.

5. It's a waste of time.

Why get ready and go out when I can have a glass of wine, or several shots, or both, while having a girls night and not having to be pretty about it?

6. Knowing you are approaching alcoholism at 22, and not knowing how to feel about it.

Everyone says that over the next year I'm going to be an alcoholic. But can you really be an alcoholic in college?

7. The next exciting milestone in your life is renting a car at 24.

I have no words, so here's another gif.