Officially, Winter Quarter has kicked off and students at Ohio University have made a triumphant return to Court Street this last weekend.  Beer pong tables are set up outside of houses on Mill and Palmer streets, with music blasting from iPod speaker sets perched on the window ledge. Each party and bar stop is a time to make lasting friends, memories and impressions.

It only takes one beer past the buzz to blur the line between being “the hottie whose number I must have” and “that person.” We all know who I am talking about. When that person walks through the door the next weekend, your friend hits you and says, “Ohmigod, that girl is a train wreck; you should have seen her last weekend…” In a more masculine setting, I suppose the line would be more like, “Dude, that guy’s a (insert explicit word).”

Now I would never suggest to go easy on the nightlife, grab a mocha and enjoy people-watching in Alden Library. These are, after all, some of the best days of our lives. People in the real world are recommended to a certain kind of group therapy for doing what we see as a regular Thursday night. I am, however, suggesting that you take some precautions to prevent yourself from waking up the next morning with, “Please tell me I didn’t do that. Please, please, please…”

It is completely OK to have a night when you just want to wipe away the day. Tough tests, lengthy papers and break-ups all constitute a no-holds bar night. So do birthdays, last days before break, and most days of the week, really. Follow a few guidelines, and you can cleanse your bad/normal day without intruding on someone else’s good time.

Put the cell phone down. Stick it in a pocket or that new clutch you got over break. Having the phone in hand leads to drunk dials and texts, which could be fun. On the other hand, they are on the Surgeon General’s Most Harmful to Your Social Health list for a reason. It may be your New Year’s resolution to lead a more honest life, but this is not the time to tell someone how you really feel. 

Drinking more will not erase the person in front of you. Your ex will not evaporate, and neither will their new semi-significant other (who will never be as good as you). What it will do is turn you into the next contestant for So You Think You Can Dance, giving you the sex appeal and pizzazz of Ricky Martin until you spin into the bathroom to become one with the toilet.

Bring back the buddy system. This is the save-all because it can only go well for you. Either one stops the other from committing social suicide, or you both go down together. Besides, everything’s better when you share with a friend.

Now, go out there and throw caution to the wind. Flirt shamelessly and have huge fits of laughter over somebody sticking their tongue out at you. Be best friends with everyone in the room — even those you have yet to meet. Just remember, our mistakes may make our best memories, but they do not have to define us.
   
Chenee Castruita is a junior journalism major. Send her an e-mail at cc282705@ohiou.edu.