Why there’s an age limit to being the party drunk…

I have one friend, and I bet some of you do too, that’s always going to end a night in one of two ways: passed out or out for a good fight. The latter usually doesn’t involve punches, although she’s been known to take a good swipe – no it’s usually an excruciating debate she delights in. It’s painful to be an audience member.

At first, I admired her confidence to throw caution to the wind and literally throw it all out there. But now, the older I get the more of a liability she becomes. Let’s face it a dinner party with a party drunk always ends up being a messy affair. Dessert takes on a whole new meaning and the after-taste is always bittersweet.

Why is it that most of us grow out of it while some still revel in it?

And are those of us who know better – that take ourselves off to bed when the inevitable effects of wine kick in – just being a tad judgemental?

Do you reach an age where it’s unacceptable to be so uncontrollable when it comes to drinking?

When most of our social lives involve the most affordable social lubricant, being alcohol, it does put those who don’t know when to stop in a tricky spot.

Also, the concept of social drinking moves into a different realm the older you get. It ain’t so much about a pack of cards and tequila shots, but good food and fine wine. The emphasis changes from getting hammered to just having a good time.

So are they the way they are, because nobody told them about the ‘shift’? And what right do I have to look down my nose at them when they’re losing it?

Is it actually really more about me deciding that there IS an age limit to being the party drunk than their decision to keep on drinking that’s the problem?

When you move on, and others don’t there’s always going to be more than a wine hiccup to deal with. It does make for an uncomfortable morning after.