Do you always go all out with drinks?

My friends are totally different, but they all have two things in common: they can drive well and they love a glass. Or two. Or three. Honestly, honestly, honestly we plan a few alcohol-free days every week, but when we go, we go all out. Or at least: cozy.

I read a nice piece on Beautify about why women who party hard on Saturdays are more successful, but that is of course not scientifically substantiated. What I can say is that I often find drinking buddies the most fun, and here's why.

1. You love a party

Not that you can't love parties if you don't drink, and there are of course just people who don't like alcohol, but for us, a drink is also about celebrating life, the moment, and well, maybe also being ‘a little naughty’ together. My work buddy Daan doesn't necessarily have a huge love for alcohol, but during a dinner, she goes for it. ‘Let's have some fun, May,’ she says.

2. You live in the now

The hangover is for later, I should say. You don't hit the brakes now because you need to be fresh tomorrow. It's fun now, it's a party now. And a smart girl has arranged to get home safely and that she doesn't have the most important meeting of the week the next day.

3. Some filters are gone

That's why you laugh a little more freely and are more open with each other. In vino veritas, in short.

4. You love being with people

Last night I was with two friend-moms with all our daughters around us and we kept saying ‘just one more sip’, simply because it was so cozy. Having everyone you like around you and just hoping the evening never ends.

5. You have time and space for a real conversation

Deeper feelings come out more easily when you have decided to sit together at a table for a long time and, disclaimer for anyone who has a different relationship with alcohol for whatever reason and knowing that alcohol is also bad for you, it just goes a little smoother on a Chardonnay than on a glass of apple juice.

6. The day after

The next day I can still laugh heartily about all the stories and adventures. Because as Renate Verbaan once said after a wild night in a karaoke bar in Moscow: ‘You don't talk about the night you went to bed early with a cup of chamomile tea a year later. It's those colorful nights that you don't forget.’

Enjoy a lot, but drink in moderation. And I mean that. But now it's the weekend and you can. Cheers.