Prom. What’s known to most high schoolers as the most critical night of high school itself. Known to seniors as one of the most important events next to graduation. Known to me as a hugely overrated, expensive night that could have been had any other night of the year.
Don’t get me wrong, my prom experience was nothing short of amazing, but only because of the people I surrounded myself with: my best friend and boyfriend. I’ve never had a dull moment with either of the two. The prom itself was not at all what I expected it to be, or how how I’d seen on television.
Here’s what I had imagined my night to be: pre-pampering, delicious dinner, elegant and fancy dresses at the prom, then wild and crazy after-parties. Instead, my experience included: rushing to get dressed, last-minute arrivals, plan changes, so-so prom environment, and a somewhat live after-party. Had I not been with my very close friends, my night could have easily been a bore.
I’m aware that prom is what you make it, and I certainly did enjoy it for the most part but for people to call the night “magical” or “dazzling” is a little too much for me. There weren’t any moments that I would define as magical, but I would agree that some people look much better when they are dressed in formal attire. People hadn’t arrived in extremely fancy cars, although our stretch limo did pull a boastful move by pulling onto the sidewalk to let us out right in front of the door. Slow music didn’t come on to lure all of the couples to the floor for an intimate moment like in the movies. The punch wasn’t spiked by any rebellious teenagers. The after-party didn’t leave me wishing it would go on later than two.
The most memorable moments of the night were laughing and being entertained by friends in the limo, people-watching with my date, taking professional pictures, being thrilled to see my best friend win prom queen, and sneaking away to the car at the party to just hear our own thoughts clearly. Those things made my night, not prom itself.
So to hear people go on and on about the night being beautiful and unforgettable, I have to say that I could experience them at any time without spending so much money and stressing over the small things. But then again, it could just be my taste for the simple things that drives my response!