Proms are rubbish - here’s how to survive yours
10 comments | Published by Chaz Campbell |
Some people have been waiting for it their whole lives, but it your vision of prom night is ‘hell with a DJ’ read on for the teentoday.co.uk answers to resolving pre-prom tension.
Release the pressure
Prom is not the end. This is not a high school movie; there is life beyond prom. No really. The next day you will wake up as usual with serious bed head and a craving for Coco Rocks (they’re so chocolaty!). It’s just a night like any other, but with more hair gel. The sooner you start to see it as a chance to have a laugh with your mates, the better. To put things into perspective start to refer to it as ‘that party thing’ immediately.
Have your say
There’s always someone who believes that it’s their God given right to dominate each and every aspect of prom. If you can’t think who this is, I’m afraid it’s probably you. The prom is for everyone, yes even people who thought Jedward should have won X Factor*, so make sure you have your say. If you and your mates are more death metal than Dizzee Rascal, get it on the playlist; if you have a great idea for a theme, put it out there. You’re much more likely to enjoy yourself if you feel that you’re a part of the event, just remember not to let the power go to your head.
Last chance to dance
If you’ve been lusting after someone for the last half a decade, now is the time to make a move or at least show them your moves on the dance floor. Asking someone to prom is no different to asking them on any other date, in fact it’s great because the venue’s already sorted, but do you really want the entire year group watching your attempt at seduction? Don’t make prom all about getting your groove on. Go with your friends or by yourself (it’s not like you won’t know anyone), chat to everyone and if you end up in a slow dance with that special someone, TT salutes you.
Seek the truth
People have this terrible habit of saying they’re into things just because everyone else does. My boyfriend (excuse me, ex boyfriend) recently admitted to me that he can’t stand Glee. Prom hysteria is peer pressure in action my friends, so ask your mates how they honestly feel and you might be surprised. If a few of you want to ditch the dance why not organise a prom alternative? Can I suggest a karaoke session, an epic movie night or if there’s enough of you (and a willing homeowner please!) an anti prom house party. Who needs school-sanctioned fun anyway?
Do your own thing
If when someone mentions the prom for the 96th time you think, no thanks I’d rather eat my own feet, why not make the decision to stay at home and do just that or perhaps something a little more sanitary. The prom is supposed to be a reward for all your hard work so if doing the cha cha slide with 120 of your peers seems like more of a punishment, stay at home and treat yourself to a boxset and a monster bag of pic n mix. Sink into the sofa and comfort yourself with the knowledge that you only have to get through one prom, unless of course, you become a teacher.
* I’m joking obviously. I think Ice Ice Baby was a defining pop moment.
Thanks to seanmcgrath for the picture of people enjoying their prom day far too much. Shame on them.
Prom, the highlight of your social calendar or "I'll go with the feet eating, thanks"?
itsDANMAN
this article is very true!! im not even going to my prom cos its gonna be shit! if your going definitely take this advice i say!
Harrison
I didn’t go to mine, it made no difference to me.
It got annoying in the end when everyone asked everyone if they were going/who they were going with and I just got bored of the idea of going
ChazCampbell
Cheers @itsDANMAN. Enjoy your non-prom!
aimelove
Personally, I’m really looking forward to prom!
But whatever floats your boat I suppose.
Great tips on taking part in organisation though, its so true. At our school’s Christmas me & my friends (who *are* more metal than Cheryl) requested a couple songs for us and it made us feel alot more included
ChazCampbell
I’m so glad that worked for you @aimelove. I’m still hurtin bout the fact that the music at my prom was chosen by a small group of girls in my year (think the plastics wearing dodgy school uniform). Maybe you educated a few people
PatrickFH94
I’m quite looking forward to mine, to be honest.
Anon_Cel
I chucked up on myself at mine and it wasn’t even alcohol related. It was definitely worth going to though. A memorable night. Those who don’t go might end up regretting that decision, if it’s shit you can always leave!
Samta
My prom was pretty good but about the music i felt the same as you @ChazCampbell
rochelle_x
I never bothered to go to my Prom, none of my friends were going so we decided to do something else.
HenryHedgehog
Good guide. Prom night can be memorable without the soggy buffet and bad DJ...None of my friends were into it so we commemorated the end of school with a fancy meal and visit to the cinema instead. Johnny Depp > watching the teachers get tipsy.