Maroon Weekly

by Autumn Kushner

Rowdy and Redass: Party Time?

With school on its way out and summer on its way in, many people have begun throwing parties. There is no doubt that College Station, home of Chillifest and the infamous Aggie ring dunks, is a party town. We love to party. Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday you can find a party virtually anywhere, on any street. The magnitude of the parties is gigantic. From the four-person backyard grill to the all-night keggers, whether you’re ready for a chill night with close friends or dying to bust the door down of an acquaintance with a “ What’s shakin my dizzawgs?” (hopefully, at the right house).  There is always something for every mood going on. So then, with all the merriment, where is the issue?

Truth be told, many parties are not simply for the guests. They are for the hosts. Many people decide to throw parties because they want all of their personal friends in attendance. There is something very soothing and wonderful about seeing all your friends from every part of your life in the same place at the same time. There tends to be less of a face to put on, less presentation, and more relaxation at knowing you are in the company of great people that you love. These are the people you can trust. You most likely will have a great night and not have to worry about how safe you are, especially if you are a woman, in a strange place with people that you do not know.

Conversely, whether or not it is a good stress, there is definitely stress to be had in being around new people. Everyone keeps their guard up, their game face on. Girls do their hair, wear makeup, and whether or not they are taken, look to catch the eye of someone at the party, even if it is only for the entertainment of knowing they’ve still got it while the other girls simply do not.  Guys tend to want to one-up each other as well. Whether it is by trying to score the hottest chick at the party, busting what they think is a great dance move (and later wondering why no one else is dancing anymore), or becoming the new beer pong champion.

The thing to remember during party season is this: if you are one of the few people invited to a party, while it may not be as “fun” as the one with the guy passed out on the lawn before the sun is set, the person who invited you took a special interest in personally inviting you. They want you around. So when you decide to go to a party that is not one that a personal friend threw in the same night that you were invited, know that your presence will actually be missed. If that friend is important to you, let them know it by at least showing up and giving them a hug.