5 Things Every Person Should Know Before Attending Prom

1. Bring Condoms

Before my siblings dressed up for their proms, I sat them down and reminded them to carry a few condoms in their pockets. They looked at me with disgust and bashfully replied, “Ewww. I’m not going to have sex.” I then retorted, “Shut up. I know you may not have sex. I know you may think it’s disgusting, but please just do it…”

I understand that it can be strange and nerve wrecking for someone to tell you to pack condoms in your pocket. But, beyond popular belief, your passion with someone who has an urge to have consensual sex with you can arise at any moment! Prom could be one of those moments. This is why you should pack condoms, or at the very least make sure your date has access to condoms, because you never know what might happen and it’s always good to be prepared.

Side note to parents and older siblings: I think anyone who has a kid, or a younger sibling, should take the time to remind that young person to bring protection. It might be difficult because sex seems to be a taboo subject to talk amongst family members. However, isn’t it better that they hear it from you, an experienced individual, rather than their inexperienced peers who think they know what they’re talking about (generalizing assumption)?

Lastly, I’m going to make it a point that you should also talk about how the act of sex should always be consensual between both parties. End side note.
By the way, my siblings did not have sex and they were happy with their decision. When you’re not ready, you’re not ready.

2. Don’t Drink And Drive

Yes, many participants who are going to prom cannot legally drink alcohol. However, at a night like this, there is a high likelihood that somewhere or somehow alcohol will float around in your social circle. This means that drinking will occur. I do not advise that you should partake in this activity because that would mean I’m telling you to participate in an illegal activity. I’m just reminding you that if you do drink, you should stray away from putting your keys into the ignition. Crashing your car, hitting someone, or worst, killing yourself isn’t the best of memories you want to have of the night.

3. Have Fun

It’s cliché to tell you to have fun, but seriously, have fun. It’s a night to let loose. Prom is usually a night where you’re celebrating your last remaining days with your high school friends. So, live it up!

I want to remind you that living it up can mean different things for different people: if it means you’re jumping into a pool with your dress (tuxedo), playing hide and seek on the dance floor, or even playing apples to apples with your friends at the after party… just go crazy! Be you. Enjoy life. Have a blast!

Cliché.

4. Put Your Phone Away for A Second

I understand we live in this technological world where Snapchat, Instagram, and Groupme are the apps that will probably dominate your prom night. However, why not try something different. Listen, I’m not saying you shouldn’t take beautiful filtered photos to keep as memories. I’m not saying you shouldn’t share stories that will make your friends laugh for a few seconds before those memories disappear after 24 hours.

I’m saying you should take a second to put your phone away and appreciate the grand moment that is happening in front of your eyes. This may be the last time you get to celebrate and party with your high school friends. So, make a point to communicate with them face-to-face. You don’t always have to be “on” to have fun. Some of the best memories you’ll remember in your life will be moments where the camera was off.

5. Know This Isn’t The End

There will be a moment in the night when a song will seem to gently diffuse itself into your eardrums, into your heart, into your soul, and then leave you speechless for a few seconds: it will be the song that will stop time and make you contemplate if you’ll experience something as special as prom ever again. Personally, I don’t know if you will. I can only say that life is ever changing and that, no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to catch the feelings you experienced at prom.

Don’t chase your memories because each event you experience in your life will always be different. Enjoy prom, enjoy the moment, and let it all happen.