When you're a junior or senior in high-school looking at colleges, you always have a parent on the tour that asks about parties. The question is either deflected, answered truthfully, or used as a segue to discuss another topic. Every college has parties; it's not an unknown fact, and most college kids go out at least once in their college career. For personal reasons, I don't party, drink, or overall participate in that aspect of college life. While it may sound lame to many, it's actually not. I'm perfectly content with not going out, and it has definitely taught me a lot.
1. Your friends will probably joke about it.
It's usually not in a malicious way, but sometimes it can definitely seem like it sometimes. Your friends will pretend to ask you to parties and then laugh in your face, or they'll discuss what went on last night and almost mock the fact that you weren't there.
2. You will probably be called old.
You can't count the times you've heard wow you're so old or where are your kids because you're basically a parent or something along those lines. Thankfully, you don't consider it being old, you consider it being more mature. If maturity is correlated to age, then non-partiers must be in their 80s.
3. You find others like you.
When it's a Saturday night and all of your friends are out drinking, things can get a little boring. Luckily, there is always a group of people at every college that doesn't party, and what's even better is they quickly become some of your best friends.
4. You learn the value of true conversation.
I honestly don't think I've heard my friends that party talk about anything other than what happened at a party, going to a party, where the next party is, or people from the party. It gets old, but thankfully there are other people who like to talk about things other than their social lives or gossip. Having conversations about classes, today's world, social issues, or even politics is actually really stimulating and enjoyable.
5. You find comfort in being alone.
When your friends are out or away, it's difficult to be the social person you're used to being. Thankfully, you've found that being alone is actually quite relaxing. Whether it be going to the gym, relaxing in your room, or sitting outside, being alone is definitely a great way to collect your thoughts, run through your day, and plan for what you want to do next.
6. You find other ways to have fun.
Exploring the area at night, going to see a play, taking a trip to the mall, getting fro-yo with friends - the possibilities are endless and not illegal or dangerous.
7. You get to hear some pretty insane stories.
While you were at home sleeping, one of your classmates was so drunk they fell off a balcony. While you were studying for a class, another one of your classmates passed out in the middle of the street. While you were taking a walk around campus, yet another one of your classmates ended up in the hospital. The night life can be insane, and you're glad you get to hear the stories without having to be there to witness them.
8. People will ask you to be the babysitter.
Your friends will try to include you by asking you to go to the party, but making it evident that you're going to be the designated driver or the babysitter. They know that you're responsible, and that caring for a large group of drunk college kids would really mean a lot to them.
9. You may not agree with their choices, but you'll always respect them.
While you'd never join them, you're still going to be their friend. They know if they ever needed help, you'd be there, and if they were ever in trouble you'd do your best to help. Because they party doesn't mean they're bad people, and as long as they respect your choice you'll respect theirs.
