In Support of Drinking: DO's and DON'Ts

I'm one of those people. I'm in support of alcohol in its many forms. No, this does not mean I advocate being a drunk all your life, I'm not in favor of drinking and driving (I have lost friends this way) nor do I support being an alcoholic (way too many of these in my family). I am simply a fan of alcohol as a catalyst for good, genuine relationships, which if done the right way can be very meaningful.

Drinking, at least in my opinion, tells you pretty much everything you need to know about a person: If they drink in excess, they have no self-control. If they don't drink at all, you can make an assumption that they don't have self control. I've always been a support of drinking for taste rather than for feeling, and it's certainly great when you can make friends this way.

I don't advocate that you become a drinker if you are not already, or if you are not for medical concerns; I simply ask that you be open minded about those who do. Here's my list of do's and don'ts when it comes to social drinking, which unfortunately there are no lessons for this in college or even before that. Hopefully this helps some young adults navigate this very delicate world:

DO know what you are willing to drink before you go out. As in if you have no clue, research something.

DON'T order your sorority signature drink when you're out with your boss. If you're used to only ordering some sugar-heavy, pink, rum drink I recommend you try liking something else. This just is not professional.

DO order liquor "on the rocks." This will make it watered-down and you'll drink it slower, plus it looks professional. Otherwise you'll look like you're just sipping a shot.

DON'T drink and drive. Ever.

DON'T drink and text your ex. Ever.

DO stop drinking once you can't go 20 minutes without having to pee. Pretty good sign that your liver is working at capacity.

DO limit drinking games to house parties where you won't be driving after and where none of your co-workers are currently lurking.

DO develop knowledge of a particular alcohol - personally, I enjoy whiskey. It takes a lot to know wine.

DON'T think that hard cider counts as beer. It's cider. That's like saying milk and orange juice are the same drink because you normally have them with breakfast.

DON'T think that you will wake up hangover-free the rest of your life. There will come a time, usually around age 25, where you will realize that you just can't drink like you used to.

DO learn to sip. DON'T chug your drink. It's a bad idea and it gets expensive.

DON'T think that just because your company is paying for drinks that it gives you the freedom to go crazy. For the love of God, it's not feast for famine here, kids.

DO try new beer and wine while you're out with co-workers; shows you're curious and not afraid of the unknown.

DO tip the bartender. Unless they are a horrible jerk or try hitting on your date in front of you.