is prom really that great?

Any teen movie involving ‘prom night’ portrays it as a magical moment in one’s life, but is that really the case? I don’t know about you, but I simply cannot believe that just because you are wearing a pretty dress and a face full of makeup, your life suddenly becomes perfect.

Due to the coronavirus, I didn’t get a prom. Although this devastated some people in my year (probably those who’d already spent way too much on a dress for just one night), I wasn’t bothered. Did I like the idea of hanging out with my friends, making memories, and having a good time? Yes. But, did I want to do this surrounded by my teachers? Absolutely not.

Here’s a few possible reasons why some teens love the idea of prom:

1. It gives people an excuse to express themselves in front of their classmates. When we are at school, there are so many rules and restrictions (for example, dress codes) so prom is a nice way to finally show who you truly are.
   
   
2. It provides a safe space to make final, life-long memories with friends who may be going to separate sixth forms, colleges, etc. There isn’t much time for this during Year 11, what with GCSEs and other commitments.
   
   
3. The whole dressing up for a big night out (well, not that big, let’s be honest) can be seen as an almost rite of passage. We are no longer little children and can finally be treated more like adults, ish.
   
   
4. To look good. I know this is the shallow option no one will never admit to, but prom is the perfect place to get some glamorous pics for Insta without looking like a try-hard. Slightly pathetic, but it’s fair enough. When else do we get the chance to be elegant, because it certainly isn’t when we get to school still half asleep at 9 in the morning.

However, none of these reasons really appeal to me and this is probably why I have never liked the idea of prom. Of course, I don’t speak for everyone and if I’m going to be perfectly honest, had it been on, I was intending to go to my prom. I’d even bought a dress! Sure, I think it’s forced, but so is everything if you think too much about it. So, even if you are pessimistic like me, I’d suggest giving it a shot. Who knows, you might even end up enjoying it!

Have a brilliant day :)

-          Chloë x​