do I have to party?

[sherrybaby]

no, but you should be prepared to have to put in extra effort to bond with your sisters in other ways. i don't drink and i'm a happy, involved member of the chapter with the party reputation - but while other sisters in my pledge class grew close seemingly instantly after several weekends going out with one another, i had to try a lot harder to find ways to spend time with my sisters. not to say there aren't plenty that don't drink either, but i had to find them and find fun ways to hang out.

i've also gone to a few parties, but i understand if you don't want to - it's hard to have fun at some of the crazier parties where you're literally the only sober person there. i tend to stick to the more low-key parties and hang out with some of the other DDs.

anyway, if you really want to be close to your sisters, you aren't going to have in your arsenal one of the easiest way to bond. so join committees, plan silly girly sleepovers and trips to local amusement parks, go to every philanthropy event (or almost, still keep school a priority), even if you don't have to. if you have a house, make it a point to just hang out there, even though it might be awkward at first. arrange study get-togethers with snacks.

basically, your level of closeness with your sisters is entirely up to you, and you don't have to party to become an involved, happy, well-liked sister.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by sherrybaby

no, but you should be prepared to have to put in extra effort to bond with your sisters in other ways. i don't drink and i'm a happy, involved member of the chapter with the party reputation - but while other sisters in my pledge class grew close seemingly instantly after several weekends going out with one another, i had to try a lot harder to find ways to spend time with my sisters. not to say there aren't plenty that don't drink either, but i had to find them and find fun ways to hang out. i've also gone to a few parties, but i understand if you don't want to - it's hard to have fun at some of the crazier parties where you're literally the only sober person there. i tend to stick to the more low-key parties and hang out with some of the other DDs. anyway, if you really want to be close to your sisters, you aren't going to have in your arsenal one of the easiest way to bond. so join committees, plan silly girly sleepovers and trips to local amusement parks, go to every philanthropy event (or almost, still keep school a priority), even if you don't have to. if you have a house, make it a point to just hang out there, even though it might be awkward at first. arrange study get-togethers with snacks. basically, your level of closeness with your sisters is entirely up to you, and you don't have to party to become an involved, happy, well-liked sister.

The enter key is your friend!

[sherrybaby]

oops, sorry is that better?

[Drolefille]

^^ Yes thanks. It's just very hard to read otherwise

[33girl]

Originally Posted by sherrybaby

i tend to stick to the more low-key parties and hang out with some of the other DDs.

This is also VERY true. Not all parties (fraternity or non) and bars/clubs (if you're allowed to be in the latter and not drink when you're 18) are created equal. There are some that just aren't going to be fun unless you're drinking like a fish, and there are some where you can be sober as a judge and still have an absolute blast. You have to get out there and see which ones are which, though, not just reject ALL of them from the start.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by 33girl

This is also VERY true. Not all parties (fraternity or non) and bars/clubs (if you're allowed to be in the latter and not drink when you're 18) are created equal. There are some that just aren't going to be fun unless you're drinking like a fish, and there are some where you can be sober as a judge and still have an absolute blast. You have to get out there and see which ones are which, though, not just reject ALL of them from the start.

Agreed. Also, when you have themed mixers or whatever they're called these days, half the fun can be getting your outfits together beforehand.

[angels&angles]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Agreed. Also, when you have themed mixers or whatever they're called these days, half the fun can be getting your outfits together beforehand.

This. And even if you're not going to the mixer/theme party, it can be fun to go to Goodwill/Walmart/whatever to try to find costumes with those who are going. It also gets more fun after freshman year when everyone isn't immediately defaulting to "sexy ____." Some of my costumes that were the biggest hits weren't attractive at all. My goal was always to be the girl with the most unique/ridiculous costume.