Have you ever been to a party and seen the girl from your French class puking over the toilet? Or maybe you’ve watched a guy stumbling outside on the lawn with a red plastic cup in hand? If you’ve been to parties like this, then maybe you should re-consider the kinds of parties you’re attending. Getting drunk and dealing with the public humiliation is bad enough, but we all know drinking can lead to much worse: having something stolen, being sexually assaulted or getting into an accident.

Photo by hrlndspnks

Even if you do end up at parties like these, there are ways to enjoy yourself at a party without indulging in alcohol or totally losing control. Holiday parties should be safe, healthy and, most of all, fun—as in good music, great dancing and stimulating conversation.

This holiday season, if you don’t want to be the face of embarrassment, the talk of the town or in a situation where you’re not in control of what you’re doing, follow our holiday party dos and don’ts.

DOS

• Make sure you go out with a group of people that you know well and trust.
• Refrain from drinking or using drugs.
• Have a cell phone on you with emergency contacts, just in case something goes wrong.
• Have a safe driver—someone who doesn’t drink.
• Leave a party if you begin to feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Have a good time

DON’TS

• Leave your drink alone; there is always a chance that someone might slip something into it.
• Drink from open containers (punch bowl) or from other people’s cups.
• Do anything that might impair your judgment; if you’re drinking or using drugs, you’re more likely to take risks with your safety.
• Be alone in a room with or go home with someone that you just met.
• Accept a drink from someone that you do not know well and trust.
• Bring valuable items out to party; you could misplace them or they could be stolen.
• Leave a party alone; make sure you have a buddy.

Maybe you’re thinking that you’ll never be in a dangerous situation, but it’s good to keep these guidelines in mind when you’re at a party. When you think ahead and play it safe, you can go out and really enjoy yourself!