That's a nude picture of your friend Kelly on your phone. On a message that was sent to your entire department, including your boss.
See how you could have prevented this:
Mortified
Liberating
It feels good to be finished with a busy week at work. You and your closest co-workers head to Kelly's house for some much needed drinks.
Waking up without regret
It might seem like a good idea to have a few drinks if you're stressed, angry or depressed. But the truth is, alcohol often intensifies whatever mood you're in. Encourage your friends to find other ways to unwind.
Exposing it all
A few drinks in, Kelly starts to vent. She's had a lot of stress at work the last couple weeks. Plus, her boyfriend has been out of town. She fills another glass.
Talking it out
If you think your friend might have a drinking problem, talk about it. Choose a time when your friend is clear-headed. Don't lecture, and be careful not to make it personal. Instead, focus on the risky behavior.
Liquid Courage
Your friend Amir wants Kelly to forget about everything and start having fun. He and some other co-workers go shot for shot with her. You lose count of how much they've had.
Everyone has a different limit
Group drinking can be dangerous. Your friends might process alcohol differently because of things like weight and gender. Pay attention to everyone's intake and make sure things don't get competitive.
Sexting
"Would you ever do it?" Amir asks. It could be the alcohol or exhaustion, but the conversation is getting punchy. You laugh. Kelly shakes her head, no way.
Avoiding awkward moments
When your friends drink, good judgment goes out the window. That can cause them to say or do things they might regret the next day. Keeping drinking in check is better for friendships.
Impaired impulse
After the party breaks up, Kelly is by herself in her bedroom. She undresses and snaps a pic in the mirror. She tries to send it to her boyfriend, but she's so drunk she can barely read the screen. She hits send anyway.
Preventing more than hangovers
Instantaneous decisions can have long-lasting consequences. That's why it's so important to make sure your friends stay in control. Avoid headaches by making a plan for the night and sticking to it.
Worst-case scenario
Kelly calls you in a panic. Drunk fingers make mistakes. She accidentally sent the pic to a group of work contacts instead of her boyfriend, and now all your co-workers have seen it. Kelly says the boss wants to meet with her first thing on Monday.
This story was just the beginning. There are countless other things that could go wrong during a night of drinking. Check out the field guide for more detailed tips and tools on how to keep your friends safe.
