When you no longer pick taking shots over getting sleep before you eight-hour shift the next morning.
When you no longer let your friends sway your mind after you made the conscious thought to stay in and catch up on the homework that has been put off till the weekend.
When will the point hit when having good conversation over good snacks in your sweats makes you happier that that little crop top you wear on Friday nights, making sure you stand on your good side, and praying that you see the one guy that you see every weekend but still have not had the courage to have a conversation with.
When we get ready for these parties what is our ultimate goal? Are we going there looking for a best friend that might stand up in our wedding? Are we thinking that we might find the man of our dreams, the man that will get down on one knee in the middle of the crowd asking you to make his last name? And lastly are we thinking we are going to find ourselves with the music blaring, liquor in our veins, and confusion of what we are really doing?
People are so worried, if the stay in, they are going to miss this big thing. The jig is up! There is nothing to miss.
The appearance at parties is made because people are afraid that if they miss a night the circle of friends will be made smaller, and they will find themselves on the outside of the circle. But that is not the case, if you do not believe me, try it.
Instead of worrying if you are missed by people, give them a chance to miss you. Wonder where you have been at what you have been up to. Lay low and watch the parties go on when you are able to release yourself from the weekends consumed of pre-games, endless rounds of beer pong, and running in the cold to make it to the next party. You are able to find the things that you really enjoy. Find the things that are unique to you without the influence of others opinion.
When we are so used to noise, we think silence means we are lonely or friendless. But the silence is able to say something more than what the noise has been screaming at you. If you are able to be comfortable in the silence with yourself. That teaches you to self-love without the influence of others. Take the time to listen to the silence that is only produced when walking away from the noise.
So take the time to get away from the scene that does not build the person that you are intended to become. You will know you have made it when staying in no longer annoys you, and when you are able to realize you are not really missing much.
We will not remember the nights when we crammed into a college house party for the hundredth time. We will remember when we took the road less traveled and moved to our own heartbeat.