Law Prom: Finding a Date or Flying Solo

I have a shy little brother who I guess isn’t so little anymore.  He’s seventeen and a senior in high school.  While we aren’t very close, we are close enough that I know he’s never even had a girl over for dinner.  (It’s fine- he’ll never see this article).  He doesn’t go to school dances, has never gone on a date, and has never had a girlfriend. Well, at least not from what I can tell based on my expert Facebook stalking.  Anyway, his senior prom is coming up quickly and my mom tells him constantly that he has to go, and urges me to tell him the same.  Being the loving yet awful older sister than I am, I sent him ridiculous prom advice.

The first category of advice was “How to Ask Someone to Prom“.  The second category was, appropriately, “How to go to Prom Alone“.  Unknowingly, I had sent him things that would come to pertain to my own life also.  Well, at least the second category.  I’ve never gone solo to a date-like function, but with law prom approaching, it actually sounds like a fantastic idea.  The night before my high school prom, my boyfriend of two years called and said, “Hey, I’ll still go to your prom tomorrow but we’re breaking up after it.”  Uhh.  I didn’t think anything could top that- until a sorority formal in college.  After a great night, I went to bed with my boyfriend of a year and woke up in the hotel room… alone.  Apparently he left in the middle of the night to go to another “party”.  Uhh.  Time to go for a different “type”- players are so last year.  Anyway, most of my friends are choosing to dance the night away at law prom sans dates, and even some of those who are in relationships are opting to leave their guy behind for this.  I am therefore convinced that this is the best way to ensure you encounter no drama, and don’t get stuck babysitting a date who doesn’t know anyone.  In any event, the following are bits and pieces of advice that I had gleaned from corny Youtube videos and sent my little brother.  Since law school is just like high school, these words of wisdom seem relatively applicable to law prom.  Then again, what do I know?  I’ve never been to one yet.

How to Ask Someone to Prom

-          Narrow down your list of potential dates- always have A list choices, and B list choices.

-          Be realistic, but don’t underestimate yourself.

-          Question their friends to see if they already have plans.  If you ask someone who already has a date… well, that’s just embarrassing.

-          Think of each attempt as practice.  Ask your next choice.  Then your next choice.  Then your next…

-          Don’t use the lines:

“Hey, I have to do 10 hours of community service… so do you want to go to the prom with me?”

“John said he’d give me 20 bucks to ask the ugliest girl at school to prom… if you come with me I’ll split it with you.”

-          If they all say no, don’t worry. The kids who are unpopular at school usually end up ruling the world.

This leads us to..

How to Go to the Prom Alone

-          First off, excellent idea whether by choice or because your date suddenly “got the chicken pox”.

-          Look hot.  You need to make the same sex wish they were you, and the opposite sex wish they went with you.

-          Go with other friends who are dateless. You can make fun of everyone together.

-          Do not make a move on your friends’ dates.

-          “If you don’t want to find things to do while other people are dancing or losing their virginity, you can volunteer at the snack table.”

-          Dance, dance, dance.

-          “Keep your eyes peeled for prom wreckage. These are the break-ups that invariably happen on prom night. Some major fun can be had on the rebound.” – Classic advice.

-          Watch the ridiculousness unfold, have the time of your life, and count all the people you’re so glad you didn’t go with.