This is why we should stop having hen-dos and start having me-dos

Put down the pink L-plates: the antidote to the hen-do is here
It's time to celebrate you
Shutterstock / StaceStock
Harriet Pavey29 September 2017

For too long, we’ve been forking out on flights to distant climes, donning embarrassing t-shirts and spending a fortune on penis-shaped straws and spa days. The average hen do now costs guests a staggering £350 each: it’s time to end this madness and be selfish.

Let us introduce to you to the "me-do". Instead of reserving celebrations for when one of your friends promises to spend the rest of the rest of their life in the thralls of someone else (at least for the first year) why not throw parties in honour of your own excellent life choices?

In an era where self-love is the new falling in love, where women are marrying themselves as part of a “sologamy” movement and no one actually wants to wear fluffy pink handcuffs, now is the time to celebrate you. Consider it payback for all the cash you’ve spent on someone else's happiness.

Here are the things you really should be celebrating - don't forget the prosecco.

Buying your first flat

OK, so if you live in London you’re unlikely to have the means to buy a property without the help of a partner, but if you do, even more reason to celebrate. Not only does this mean you’re probably doing adulthood right, but you’re no longer pouring thousands of pounds of your yearly income into rent. There is the question of a mortgage, but if you’ve got one of those then you’re probably financially independent and on a permanent contract at work: another reason to party. Which brings us on to…

Getting a new job

New job? Time to party
Shutterstock

You’ve heard of leaving dos, but what about starting dos? Not to suggest you round off your very first day at a nightclub with your new colleagues, but getting that job is something worth celebrating. Your dedication has paid off, so let go of your British modesty and brag until you’re unbearable. Having a party is the real-life, more satisfying version of changing your job in the About Me section on Facebook. You’ve worked hard, you deserve it.

Being single

Engagement parties, hen dos, weddings and honeymoons: coupled up people have all the fun. But you don’t need an other half to have a party. Whether you’re heartbroken or you’ve been single for years, honour your freedom because it won’t be there forever. For now, you’re liberated from the “When will you be home?” texts, the arguments over what to cook for dinner and mixing someone else’s washing with yours. Rejoice in your smug independence. You’re doing it on your own, and you’re doing it good.

Friendship

Toast your loved ones 

Yes, it’s sentimental, but how often do you tell your friends how much you appreciate them? It shouldn’t take an impending marriage to get your entire friendship group in one place at the same time. Raise a glass to each other: you’ve been there all along.

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