Somewhere in the midst of teachers cramming to finish their course material and final exams looming around the corner, the upperclassmen at Robinson High School experience the iconic night depicted in just about every high school rom-com: prom. A night where all external worries are left at home. A night where time stands still, and high schoolers undergo one of the final acts of their adolescent narrative prior to their transition into an uncharted adult life.
Prom night at Robinson is approaching, and fast.
The prospect of the high school prom is generally associated with both stress and excitement. While prom night is certainly an exciting time, it is important to remember that the “once in a lifetime” experience is simply, at its core, a night meant for high schoolers to have fun with their friends. However, likely due to the prom’s reputation as the pinnacle of teen romance, many students tend to face high levels of anxiety regarding the prom. Specifically, the pressure of bringing a date. For some students, it has reached the point where they do not end up showing up to the dance at all.
Everyone should attend the prom. Although the iconic night is often symbolic of high school romance, bringing a date is not necessary for having a blast at the dance. The absence of a date should certainly not prohibit any individual from going. In a current society with evolving social expectations, there is no shame in flying solo or going with a group of friends to the prom. Some people (myself included) may even dare to say that going stag is much more enjoyable.
Nevertheless, I do not discount the desires of those who desperately cling to the hopes that they will go to prom with their crush, or even those who simply want a date to go with in order to strengthen their after-prom Instagram post. After all, as a teenager myself, I too empathize with these sentiments. It would be incredible to create a viral-worthy “promposal” and ask a girl I like to prom (and hopefully not get rejected as well).
Back to reality, however, even if the epic promposal does not come, or is declined, that is no reason not to attend the prom. Oftentimes, prom dates are merely a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties to satisfy their perceived requirements of bringing a partner to the dance. Dates like these commonly create an awkwardness throughout the night for both the boy and the girl.
Going with a group of friends, or even alone, can lead to a more carefree experience than forcing a “date.” Although the two occasions are slightly different, I have gone to the annual homecoming dance both by myself and with a partner. In my opinion, going single has been, without a doubt, the more memorable experience. Plus, I was able to freely dance without fear of judgment for being soaked in my own sweat.
Date or not, the prom is an integral part of teen culture universally, which all students at Robinson should attend. At its core, the night is meant to be an outlet from all the pressure of being a high schooler and to have fun with friends. It should be treated as such.
So, buy the ticket, wear your best outfit and dance the night away. No date, no problem at all.
