I believe that taking care of your friends regardless of the situation/consequence is what truly defines a real friend from a fake one.

Back in college, I remember some of the nights in which my friends and I would attend various parties and events around our campus. We had some very good times, but there were also times in which the next day we would wake up and regret some of the decisions we made.

Regardless, we always knew that we (as friends) could count on each other.

Looking back, it definitely was a "live and learn" experience, but I digress.

One of my good friends got particularly intoxicated one evening when we were out at this college house party. Being the DD (Designated Driver), I had a feeling that he was getting a lot drunker than usual. Usually it was about two shots of Bacardi/Coke and maybe a cold beer by the end of the night. That would have set it straight for him usually... but not tonight.

I blame him trying to impress a certain someone who caught his eye... Haha. Well he certainly succeeded, but not in the light he desired. Carrying on.

As the night progressed, he wanted to drink more, but he was stumbling about and growing increasingly loud/rowdy. I was meeting some friends I hadn't seen in a few years and really wanted to stay longer, but regardless of that I knew I had to keep a watchful eye on him.

When he almost got into a fight with a few other people over something trivial (a light for a cigarette), I told him that we should head home and call it a night before something happens.

It took a lot of convincing (and me having to be on the receiving end of "some" verbal abuse) to get him to agree with me, but I was finally able to get him into the car and back on the road home.

During the trip, he threw up about two times (luckily he told me when he was about to lose it, so we had enough time to pull over!)

Knowing the state he was in, I just took him to my dorm and let him get dibs on the bed while I slept on the floor. Stayed up that night, making sure he stayed on his side in case he threw up again. Had a few numbers ready to call in case he got worse and needed help.

The next morning, he recounted that much of the previous evening was a "blur," but he was grateful that I had chosen to drive him home and ensure he was alright. His new name for me "Dad or Old Man," which I got a kick out of. If only I had video footage of how goofy he acted that night to return the said favor.

But ultimately, better that than losing him forever if something bad happened. Couldn't imagine losing a close friend over neglecting my responsibility as a friend.

I think that no matter what happens, you have to be there for your buddies to see them through. Sure, it may not be fun, and you might even have to get them angry at you... but regardless it's just looking out.

After all, we only have one life, so I think we have to protect the lives of those around us.

Thanks for reading.

I would think that actually putting your friend to bed might be beyond the call of duty, but it would be a nice gesture to make sure he gets into bed safely, and maybe give you some peace of mind. You don't know what harm might come to him otherwise, he might fall down stairs or set the place on fire if he decided to have a smoke before passing out. (I know of three young men in our town who burned up in a trailer because they were all drugged up and couldn't respond when a kerosene heater was knocked over).

I'd see my friend safely to bed, but I'd just let him flop down in his nasty old alcohol- and vomit-smelling clothes so he'd have something to think about when he woke up the next day.