The beating lights, loud music and incessant cigarettes and alcohol, this has been the common scenario of partying. And the morning after, there goes the usual headache and hangover, the smudged make up and the strong smell of smoke on your hair. But despite this repeated scene, why do people yearn and look forward to it? Why do people prepare for hours to go to a place where the unexpected can be expected but the outcome is nonetheless the same?
1. Simply put, it’s fun.
Every person goes to a party for the plain reason of having fun, it’s both acknowledged and practiced. It’s a sensorial experience and the setting is meant to heighten all five of it. In that particular moment in time, you forget who you’re supposed to be and the things you’re supposed to do, there’s no time but the present and you’re there to make the most of it.
2. Socially Accepted Vulnerability.
Alcohol can be the best excuse for the most stupid actions, in a more subtle context, it’s an acceptable form of vulnerability. People get to say, accidentally, the things that are running in their head, whether to the person who’s meant to hear it or someone who doesn’t even want to listen. After a few shots, people get to dance like no one’s looking (or like everyone’s looking, depends on how they like it), women get to drop their inhibitions and men grow the confidence to approach them. It’s a time where expression is free and fear is diminished. So if expressing isn’t your strong suit, then grab a glass and drink up.
3. Admit it, it’s a marketplace.
Single people can be easily detected from those who are already taken. (Disclaimer: This only applies before 3 am, past that, people pretty much act like couples.) If you’re there with a lot of energy to move from one place to another, to dance and to socialize, you’re in the market. It’s a place where you meet people who are likely there to meet other people as well, probably not for the same reasons, but at a basic level, you already have something in common.
4. Escape.
Everyone desires to get away from their realities once in a while. In these settings, people don’t really care where you came from or what you’ve done. Your appearance, confidence and moves are the only basis of judgment — you get to be whoever you want to be. Whether it’s to escape from your monotonous routines, fears or thoughts, the setting is a perfect platform for distraction from the lights to the hot guy or chick beside the bar.
After every party, there’s always a new story to tell. It can be something you’re proud of or something you deeply regret. However, no matter how euphoric a moment can be, you have to acknowledge that it’s only as good as it lasts. As said, it’s an escape — and you can’t escape forever. 
