While there’s no actual “magic formula” to ensure you have a good time at your junior/senior prom, there are tips to enjoy your date.
Image by Roman Boed via Flickr
“What about prom, Blaine? What about Prom?” Oh, our hearts ache for quirky, whimsical and wonderful outsider Andie (Molly Ringwald), when she’s confronted with the realization that her new beau (Andrew McCarthy) – rich to her poor, popular to her not – is weaselling out of prom, in John Hughes’ iconic 1986 teenage rom-com, “Pretty in Pink.” What fans of the film may not know is an entirely new ending was shot, after preview audiences were outraged at the original, final scene. Yes, folks, Andie actually did end up with wacky, forever loyal friend, Duckie (Jon Cryer). And by “end up,” we don’t mean with a kiss-of-romantic revelation. Andie just doesn’t end up forgiving the undeserving, it-will-never-work-out-anyway Blaine, but clearly moves on to have a rocking time at prom with the Duckman.
No one ever said teen romance was easy. What was inherent in Hughes’ pre-cut original final scene was a depiction of how it should be, what prom should mean: a wholly fun celebration of well-dressed, unabashed joy, after four-years of teen angst. No one will deny the cuteness of adorable Andrew McCarthy, but, Andie, as revealed throughout the movie, is an empathetic and loyal creature, and deserves a worry-free good time, not one fraught with questioning whether her date will cave to peer-pressure. And there lies the rub: go to prom with someone with whom you’ll have fun. Yes, you’ll have the distraction of your equally glammed up friends, but ultimately, it’s about you and your date. Go with someone you don’t know well and it might end up an awkward evening, at best, and something more problematic at worst.
In the hopes you’ve appropriately chosen or already accepted a date or companion for prom, your priority is to enjoy yourself, have a good time. Oh, and look good while you’re doing it. This means, date- secured or not, you should probably start taking a look at prom dresses 2016. Girls are still “coordinating” their gowns to their date’s suit/tux/dress. It makes for a sweet photo and clearly designates your companion at prom. Then again, you may just want to choose a dress you like. Start exploring styles. These days, brick-and-mortar shops are unlikely to have as many dresses as can be found online. Then again, there are shops that specialize in formal wear, and even specifically, prom. It’s prom garb shopping at its finest.
Before you can have fun at prom, you need to find someone to join you in the festivities. After all, it’s a school event and your goal is to have a good time with your boyfriend or friends. In considering what route you might take, you can look to your friends – how many of them are going with dates, and how many are going in a group? If you have your heart set on a traditional prom experience and want to go with a date, you need to examine the possibilities carefully. Start by eliminating guys who have girlfriends or have already made their prom-posal. Poll friends and ask their opinion. They may have a dateless friend. Even if you’re shy, you’ll find someone to go to prom; be open-minded, optimistic and attractive. This doesn’t mean you have to look like a conventional prom princess. Just care about who you are, and your appearance, too. Take the leap. Ask someone to go with you and do not be discouraged if you’re told “No, thanks.” As granny used to say, there are plenty of fish in the sea.
Don’t focus on an idealized dream date. Take a cue from Andie and consider friends and, if you have a tiny crushy on them, it doesn’t hurt either. Look for someone who is:
- Kind
- Fun
- Open-minded
- Positive
- Energetic
- Social
- Will stay sober
- Attentive
Find someone who can meet these realistic expectations and still have a wonderful time at prom. Enjoy what’s available – dinner, friends, classmates and dancing. Don’t bring other elements into the event – you don’t want to get into trouble right before graduation. Prom, no matter what importance society puts on it, should be fun. Period. Now go for it.
Article Submitted By Community Writer.
