Whenever I tell anyone I’m not sure if I am going to prom, there is an array of reactions but all of them seem ridiculous to me.
The most common question proceeding my statement is “What?!? WHY?!?!” The most basic reason is because I don’t know if anyone will ask me.
The next response is “Who cares! Go single!”
I definitely recommend going if you are a senior who has never been to prom before regardless if you have a date. For me, I went last year and had a great time, so I feel like if I don’t go I’m not missing out.
Last year, I had the perfect prom. If I went single this year and didn’t have as much fun, that’s how I would remember prom: a mediocre experience rather than the perfect one I had last year.
The other main factor contributing to my indecisiveness toward prom is the idea of hunting for the perfect dress and accessories. Prom is in a month, and although I have an idea of a dress to wear, I would still have to find shoes, jewelry, hair and makeup ideas. That’s a pretty hearty list for someone who isn’t even sure if they are going.
Another contributing factor is I am not a huge fan of dancing. At weddings, you can find me sitting at the table with a piece of cake while the rest of my family is jamming out to “Y-M-C-A.” They always say I’m being a Debbie Downer, but I am perfectly happy people watching and sitting back. It’s what I like to do; it doesn’t make me boring or uptight.
I’m not saying there is no way I’m going to prom. If someone asked me I would definitely consider it, but I am not going to go out of my way to ensure someone asks me. I don’t mind dancing if I have someone to dance with, and I love getting all fixed up for a night and taking pictures. No matter what happens, I think I will be content with my decision.
People feel pressured to go to prom because they think they will regret it when they are in their 40s looking back on their high school experience. I would regret it more when I am standing in the middle of the dance floor hating every second of the dance. I would rather sport my brown, open-back Tribal dress and meet my friends at the Cheesecake Factory to enjoy the fried macaroni cheese balls and Godiva chocolate cheese cake and the company of my friends.
