How to be the Life of

HOW TO BE THE LIFE OF THE PARTY.

by JOLIE ZENNA graphics by GEORGIA FLAVELL

Going out culture is an integral part of the college experience. Whether you’re hitting the frats, the bars, or some random house on Euclid, there’s always something exciting to lace up your corset for. This culture takes a lot of getting used to, especially if you weren’t a major partier in high school. It’s so common to walk into a room full of people and feel totally awkward, regret your outfit, or want to go home. We all have this irrational fear that everyone is looking at us at all times watching our every move, when in reality, they’re probably the most focused on themselves. The only way to really draw attention to yourself at a party is by either acting like a complete idiot (which we’ve all done at some point), or by being the undisputed life of the party.

Here’s your ultimate guide on how to be the latter.

Go out with friends that bring out the best in you

There are friends who give the best advice, class friends, and friends who bring out your inner life of the party. You definitely won’t be the life of the party if you spend it babysitting someone who isn’t having fun, so leave the negative energy at home and go out with the friends who believe that any night has the potential to be the best night. Hey, you never know. Go out with friends that will hype you up, be your wingman or woman, and be there at the end of the night when you need help getting back to your apartment. You shouldn’t go out with people you feel the need to impress, because to be the life of the party, you have to be obsessed with your most authentic self. “Fake it ‘til you make it” might work in a beginner Pilates class, but the true life of the party never fakes it, because they’re always having the most fun.

Dress to impress (yourself)

Nothing feels better than looking in the mirror and just feeling...hot. You have to bring that dancing to Big Bootie Vol. 17 in the mirror energy out with you wherever you go. To be the life of the party, you can’t be fixing your shirt every two seconds or questioning if you should have worn a different pair of jeans. Wear what makes you feel like your hottest self, because confidence is your most attractive quality. People are naturally drawn to the most confident person in the room, so if you’re confident enough, you’ll automatically be the center of attention.

“Don’t question if you’re dancing weird or if you look awkward; just be in the moment and think about how good you look to the crowd. ”

While loving yourself is the most important, having confidence will guarantee the ability to pull any guy or girl and even get those free drinks (because nobody’s paying $13 for a vodka cran). It’s basically a science. Don’t second guess yourself. Wearing a more bold outfit is a total power move, so don’t be afraid to rock a ‘fit that’s more “out there” than you’re used to.

Really just need to get out of your head

…no matter how hard that may be. I know, easier said than done, but being in our heads is what makes us the downer, and the life of the party only gets down to music. Insecurities can become crippling and get in the way of us taking chances, but taking chances is what being the life of the party is all about. Go up to someone you’ve never met and dance with them. Go in with no expectations and let the night lead you any which way. You want to have a night that is so eventful that you’ll be laughing about it with your friends for years to come. Be the version of yourself that you always want to show, but have always been too scared to show--you’ll feel comfortable at the party when you feel comfortable with yourself. Dance until sunrise, go a little too hard (but only a little), and be completely spontaneous. Let your energy and confidence be contagious, and don’t let anything stop you from living up to your full potential, because babes, you want it? You got it. Fall so in love with yourself that the crowd won’t have it any other way; you’re the undisputed star of the show, center of attention, and life of the party.

Leave all of your inhibitions behind

Have an exam coming up? You can study the next day. Having relationship problems? Put your phone on do not disturb. When you’re out, it’s the time to really let loose and be completely in the moment. People who are the life of the party are having the best time ever and nothing phases them. So whatever issues you are dealing with, push them to the side for the night and just genuinely enjoy yourself. The ~Sunday scaries~ are on Sunday for a reason.