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As we grow up, we begin to experiment with multiple things in life. Going out and having fun is one of them. This doesn’t only mean that you are going to go out and dance and drink, but also means that you are a social being and need to engage and interact with others. One way of doing so is by attending/hosting parties. Parties may become a big part of your teenage years and that’s completely natural. People go out, drink, dance, try different things, interact with each other and come home.
However, in the midst of these festivities, there certainly are some risks which can be involved. We are all prone to losing control at some point in our lives. However, knowing the risks beforehand and trying to avoid them, is a good place to start when anticipating a party night. Let’s first look at the risks you can possibly attract during such a time.
Drinking too much alcohol
Driving after drinking (even one drink is counted)
Unprotected or non-consensual sexual activities
Drink spiking (when an illicit substance is added to your drink by others)
Drug overdose
Fights, injuries, violence
Accidents, altercations, legal concerns
Not finding a safe way back home
Getting lost
These are some of the risks and concerns which may arise during or after a party. These are common concerns which need to be taken seriously. This doesn’t mean in any way that you should not happy and have fun. There are ways of doing both, being safe and having fun at the same time. Let’s take a look at some ways of keeping yourself and friends safe and alert.
Look out for your friends and ask them to do the same. Care for each other
Decide your mode of transport to get back home. Either ask your parents to pick you up at an agreed time or have a friend’s parents do so. If neither of these is possible, call a taxi at the venue.
Eat a heavy meal before going to the party. A full stomach slows he absorption of alcohol.
If you plan to drink, set a limit for yourself and try to stick to it
Using drugs or other substances can be avoided. However, if you wish to indulge, know exactly what you are absorbing. Tell a friend about it. And try to set a limit for it.
While you’re at the party, get your own drinks. Don’t allow others to get them for you. Only receive them from the bartender or a trusted friend.
Keep an eye on your drink at all times. If you leave it unattended, get a new one.
Don’t mix drugs and alcohol or other drugs together
Don’t be driven by someone who has been drinking
If at any point you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, leave and go to a safe place and call someone to come and get you
Avoid engaging in drinking games or other risk behaviors like jumping into pools, walking around on streets, driving, etc.
Keep your parents or someone adult informed about your location, time, and company of the party
Keep your phone with you at all times and don’t leave it anywhere
Charge your phone to full before leaving for the party
Remember, saying no is completely okay
If your friend seems to be unwell, call their parents or the ambulance
Avoid engaging in violence or fights. Walk away from a problematic situation
Always stay close to a trusted friend
Don’t take any substance or drink from another person while they pass it around to the whole group
Avoid sexual contact with people as when you and others are drinking, the ability to provide consent and being protective lowers down
Sexual or any other kind of physical assaults should be reported immediately
Don’t pour yourself another drink before finishing the previous one
Keep drinking non-alcoholic drinks in between (water, lemon water, etc)
If you have reached your limit of alcoholic drinks, hold a non-alcoholic drink or water in your hands to keep them engaged and so you don’t feel left out
Understanding these tips and keeping yourself safe are the most important things which matter at the end of the day. Your life is more precious than any party or event. Having said that, this also means that enjoyment and fun are equally important. When you study/work hard, you deserve to have some fun and frolic. And if you’re not a party person, that’s fine too. Do what makes you happy and enjoy your own version of fun.
Stay safe, stay responsible, and stay happy!
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Criticism is a common—but painful—experience. Being criticized may produce fear, shame or anger, and feed into your insecurities. Obviously, not all critics produce these negative experiences, there is a positive criticism that makes you think and helps you grow. To discover it is important to understand what provokes people to criticize, if their reasons are valid or, on the contrary, are only a strategy to reassert their power, complain or humiliate.
People criticize you because:
The way to respond to criticism depends largely on the situation and the reasons that cause it. In fact, there are circumstances where is better not to do it, because reacting to criticism would only serve to further develop the other person and satisfy his/her desire for leadership and control. In these cases it is best to pay no attention to them, because trying to defend ourselves would only lead to a dead end. Hence, if you can, pretend that nothing has happened. When the person who criticizes you is significant for you, it is necessary that you pay attention and let him/her know that you love and esteem him/her, even if you do not agree with that opinion. You can also point out to that person that you respect his/her ideas and efforts, but always asserting your freedom and the right to make your own decisions. Nobody enjoys to be criticized, but it is part of the human experience. Try to find the middle ground between taking too much accountability for other people’s issues and being too defensive.
If you have a story to share,Click Here
If you have a query,Click Here.
You can also chat with the counsellor by clicking on Teentalk Expert Chat.
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