Prom is just around the corner, and you’re still dateless. Maybe you’ve spent months waiting for fate to intervene, or just realized prom is next week, or maybe you had a date but (unfortunately) lost them. But fear not–Vedant is here. With a little charm, some strategic planning, and possibly mild trickery, you’ll have a date in no time. Follow my advice and soon, you’ll be waltzing into prom with someone who probably wanted to go with you.
First, accept your situation. You have no date. Take a deep breath- it’s not the end of the world, it’s just high school. “Prom is hyped up in movies, but in reality, it’s just another school event,” said language arts teacher Ms. Trisha Basak. “The people make it special, not the pressure to have a date.”
Once you’ve accepted your dateless situation, it’s time to focus in and think. Who do you know that might say yes? Best friend? Lab partner? That one kid you did a group project with freshman year? Cast a wide net. If necessary, extend your search to friends of friends, or distant acquaintances who don’t know your entire history.
“If you want a date, just ask!” says Amrit Singh (‘26). “The worst they can say is no, and that’s not the end of the world.”
Remember to do some light background research. Who’s single? Who’s determined to go solo? Who’s in an awkward talking stage? Information is power, and power will get you a prom prospect.
Once you’ve narrowed down your prospective date, begin subtly increasing your presence. Compliment their outfit, laugh at their joke and conveniently bump into them on your way to class. Shoot your shot with well-crafted, not-at-all-pressuring texts. Say something like, “Hey, I was thinking prom would be way more fun with you there. Want to go together?”
If subtlety fails, it’s time to up the ante. Begin dropping hints during an actual face-to-face conversation, like “so prom’s coming up,” or “do you have a date yet?” Remember: do not try being nonchalant about this!
If no one has taken the bait, start expanding your outreach. Keep your options open. In worst-case scenarios, start hinting that you might be the perfect last-minute date to someone equally desperate.
Your last resort should be to make it a spectacle. A ridiculous promposal with balloons, posters and interpretive dance is hard to say no to, especially if done in front of an audience.
If you follow my advice, you should have a prom date. But if your efforts have failed, don’t worry about it. “The best proms aren’t about romance,” said Singh (‘26). “They’re about the memories you make. Go with your gang and just enjoy it.”
Whether you successfully secured a date or you’re rolling up with your best group of friends, the most important thing is having fun. “Years from now, you won’t remember who had a date or not,” said Ms. Basak. “You’ll remember the laughter, the music, and the joy of the moment.”
