Tommy McFly: Don’t be ‘that guy’!
Now that the weather is finally breaking, and a cure for cabin fever is in sight, there are four things you should keep in mind when hitting up happy hours, patios, rooftops, waterfronts, music festivals and other summer gatherings that make you feel invincible. You're not invincible, and not acting responsibly can lead to some serious downfalls and unfortunate tan lines.
There are many delicious summer beverages to be had by the of-legal-age adult sun seekers. How you chose to position them in Instgrams may have repercussions down the road. Embarrassment of using a selfie stick aside, what you put on social media broadcasts to the world a perception about you to others. One innocent and responsible drink could be perceived as a full day bender to peers, colleagues and others you deal with on the daily. Social media is always watching, what are you showing?
No one wanted to date the guy screaming BEEEEEEER PONG while wearing a backwards hat and honking away on the vuvuzela from his buddy's World Cup watch party. We've all seen that guy. Odds are he also didn't wear sun screen and will no doubt have a tan line from the lifeguard whistle around his neck. Who gave that guy a whistle?
Responsible behavior at happy hour goes way beyond consumption. Keep in mind who you're with and where you are. Talking with a friend at a baseball game about how terrible your boss is might seem like harmless venting, unless someone within earshot can figure out what's going on. Voices travel outside. Use code words.
April is Alcohol #Responsibility Month, and the sun shines longer and the weather is nicer, so take a swing by the virtual bar. It's an incredible resource that puts in perspective what your actions at happy hour actually translate to. It's definitely NOT a scientific measurement to determine if you’re too drunk to get behind the wheel, but it IS a very educational tool for learning about BAC. The general rule is smack talk the person who signs your paycheck in public, and never drive drunk.
*The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) or any Responsibility.org member.*
