Who are you? What are you doing?

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Halloween is one of my favourite times of year! I love getting to dress up, do my makeup and see everyone else's costumes.

I love the idea of creating a new persona and identity for one night and getting to act and talk like that person. You get to be whoever you want to be.

Unfortunately, for a lot of girls this means being a sluttier version of their costume.

I could tell you I've never dressed up in a provocative manner, but that would obviously not be true. I've done the sexy librarian before, the vampire and so on. I understand it's FUN to dress that way but is it really smart? NO. These are some things to take note of now that Halloween is here.

Sexual Victimization
I recently learned a new alcohol statistic that applies directly to me. The scary part is that it probably applies to you, too. While watching a clip from CBC's The National, I learned that women are 19 times more prone to sexual victimization when they have been drinking. When I first learned of this statistic, I was shocked, my jaw dropped. Nineteen times is ridiculous; however, what's interesting about this statistic is that it claims that women would not be able to sense a man prowling on them. It also states that you would be less likely to notice a man touching your arm. Personally, my fear of all of this arises during the time around Halloween, especially knowing that the majority of these girls are going to be belligerently drunk and wearing Playboy bunny costumes. It all just seems too planned out, doesn't it? Women go to the bars thinking they're safe with a big group of girls, and usually on a night when they'd be drinking, they probably would be safer. On a regular night there is usually one person who stays more sober. However, everyone knows that Halloween is a time where this doesn't happen. My best advice is to be careful and if you can avoid drinking too much, do so.

Weather
When I dressed up as a librarian, I froze my ass off. Sure, global warming is extending the length of the warmer seasons a bit, but your clothing can serve as protection from some of the elements: pants keep your knees from getting scraped if you fall when you're drunkenly tripping over the curb; lower heels allow you to run away easier and be able to walk — however, if necessary, I suggest taking your shoes off if it is an emergency; and longer layers will also help you stay warmer (I'm not talking about a turtleneck, I'm talking about a pair of liquid latex leggings). Believe it or not, covered up can be sexy; you just need an equal balance of skin and fabric. It might take a little more effort, but it can be accomplished.

Keeping Your Bits to Yourself
Every Thursday, I thank MTV producers for blurring out Deena's "kooka," and sometimes Snooki's, and a few times Sam's as well. Those girls have not yet learned how to keep it together. When you go out, do not expose yourself like they do; if and when you do, you become an easy target for others. The next example of this is also from Jersey Shore when Deena and Snooki go to a bar and are dancing like Halloween sluts and the men start bumping and grinding them a little too hard. The girls react poorly and start getting very vocal and very upset. It's an example of sexual harassment at its finest. This should NEVER happen to you: keep your clothes on and stay smart.

Party Packers is Unoriginal
Last but not least, for me to sum this all up, going to Party Packagers and picking out costume #121 because it'll make your boobs look great is completely unoriginal. This seems unrelated, but has your mom ever told you to make someone a birthday card as opposed to buying one? Why do you think she says this? It's because it's more personal and because it shows you put some sort of effort into it — same thing with a Halloween costume. If you make your costume, or at least do more than put on your pre-made costume and straighten your hair, your costume will look awesome. It'll be funny and have character. Take it from me; Party Packagers is so last year.