I turn 21 here soon, and I'm 3000 miles away from family so I'm trying to thing of the best way to distract myself from that. If you could relive your 21st birthday, or equivalent, how would you do it?
With modern technology the way it is now your never really far away. I'd Skype or FaceTime the ones that matter the most and go have a great meal, a movie and go to bed. 21 really isn't a big deal. 50. Now that's a milestone.
I can't remember everything I did on my 21st birthday, but I'm sure it involved something silly with my friends and alcohol. Here's what I'd do, if I had another chance: Call your parents and thank them for all they've done for you. Call your fiancé and tell her you love her. You and your best buddy go out for a nice dinner. Spot an older couple in the restaurant and secretly pay for their dinner. Your server will gladly take care of this for you. Call the server by name and leave a nice tip. Go to bed early, counting your blessings, and get a good night's sleep. I know this sounds corny. I'm a 54 year old guy, and I wouldn't have done this when I was 21. I guarantee you'll fondly remember your 21st birthday for the rest of your life if you do this.
Oh yeah, I've been getting that stuff for a while. To be such a liberal organization they sure do kill a lot of trees.
My 21st birthday was a nightmare! Whatever you do, leave your ATM card at home, don't drink too much and whatever you do, stay out of the strip club!! If I could do it all over again...I'd probably grab 1 or 2 good friends and go shoot some pool.
If I do go out though, I think I may go to Applebee's or somewhere similar, and have 1 beer. And maybe even a glass of wine. And I really like the idea of buying an older couples dinner.
If that's the case, go up to the store, grab some good food you wouldn't normally spend the money on....and cook yourself a killer meal.
I went through similar circumstances. I was in the Army. Half way around the world in Germany. I had just received a dear John letter from my girlfriend. Luckily I had a good friend who went to with me to a German pub. We drank a couple beers, polished off a couple schnitzels, went back to the barracks and slept. My blues were still there the next morning. Looking back 45 years to the day all I can say is time will heal the loneliness. So the advice you have heard here from others is all valid. Especially what was stated by Charlie @wristwatchb. That's an excellent way to get passed ones self and feel good in doing it.
It's just hard. It's only my second birthday away from home, and my unit is in the field so most of my friends are gone. I was unfortunately left behind due to a recent wisdom tooth surgery. I've always been a family guy, and being away is killing me. Wet shaving, and the community have really helped keep my mind off home as much.
