Prom season is here! You’ve probably already rented your tux or found the perfect dress. Promposals are all finished. You and your friends have already worked out where you’re going to take nice photos and how you’re getting to the venue. Not to mention all the stress is over: AP tests, finals, and college decisions are all things of the past. Next stop, graduation station—full steam ahead!
There’s a lot of pressure to make prom the best night of your high school career. There are a lot of great parts to high school, so prom doesn’t have to be the top. But here’s how you can make it as great as possible.
Related: 7 Things You Need to Do Before High School Graduation
Stay out of the drama
Unless you’re going to college with them or you try really hard to keep in touch, this is one of the last times you’ll see most of your high school friends outside of social media updates and reunions. Don’t let it be spoiled by drama. It doesn’t matter if your ex decided to bring that one person you hate or if you don’t have a date. (Most people abandon their dates five minutes in anyway.)
You look fabulous, you’re surrounded by friends, and summer is right around the corner. Enjoy all of it! Five years down the road, you’ll want to remember how you did the Cotton-Eyed Joe in six-inch heels rather than missing out on the opportunity because of who-remembers-why?
Ask them to dance
You know who I’m talking about: that person you think is the cutest, but you’ve never had the courage to talk to them outside of class. Go on—ask them for a dance. The worst they can do is say no, right?
Be nonchalant about it. Casual. When “24K Magic” comes on, accidentally on-purpose bump into them, apologize, and say, “Hey, this is a great song. Want to dance?” Simple! If they say yes, hit the floor. If they say no, shrug and drag the next-closest person to the dance floor and bust a move.
Be happy
If you’re a wallflower, great. There are plenty of perks associated with that designation. Feel free to people watch, enjoy the buffet, and keep an eye on the table so your friends always have somewhere to crash between dances. Don’t let anyone tell you what you have to do to have fun. If you genuinely don’t like dancing, don’t do it!
If you’re not a wallflower, and the only reason you even showed up to prom was to get down on the dance floor, do it. And don’t think just because all your friends want to sit out during your favorite song that you have to join them. Join a circle (there will be like 10 of them) and let loose.
There has never been a better time to embrace who you are than now. Do what’s best for you to have fun, and don’t let anyone else tell you what that is!
Related: Senior Year of High School: Expectations vs. Reality
Be safe
If you have to wait for a ride home, especially if you’re in an area you’re not familiar with and it’s late, use the buddy system. Even if your ride shows up and your friend’s doesn’t, try to stick around until you know they’re safe. Your parents wouldn’t want you to have to wait alone at night; they wouldn’t want one of your friends to either.
Also, you’re under 21, so drinking alcohol should not be happening. But if it is, do not operate a vehicle, and do not get in a car with someone who has been drinking. Don’t even let them drive; take their keys if you have to, and remind them that it’s for their own safety (and the safety of others).
If you’re using a service like Uber or Lyft, make sure you share your ride info with a friend and/or parents. And if your plans change—like your friends decide to go get steak and eggs at the 24-hour diner last minute, or you decide to spend the night at your friend’s house because it’s close by and you’re exhausted—make sure you communicate that to your parents.
Be smart. Be safe. Dance (or don’t). Have fun at prom!
