Prom season is here, which means that prom #content is everywhere. I’ve definitely awww-ed over some cute promposals, but with all the prom articles, Instagram posts, and ads everywhere, it can be hard to remember that prom is not actually mandatory.
I skipped prom for a few different reasons: I’d been to two homecoming dances before, and while I’d had an okay time, it didn’t feel the need to repeat it with a much-pricier ticket (another reason I skipped). My friends were all going with dates, and I was dateless; the few boys I would have liked to go with already had plans, and same-gender prom dates were not a thing in my small, conservative hometown. I would have gone with a group of friends that included other single people, but I didn’t want to be a third-, fifth-, or eleventh-wheel. And finally, while I had a handful of amazing friends, I didn’t love my high school experience overall and didn’t feel the need to celebrate as a class.
Instead, I hung out with another friend who skipped prom: we went to Chili’s, watched the Nightmare Before Christmas at her place, and met up with a few friends for a bonfire later on. It was a pretty good night — and ten years later, I don’t regret skipping.
Earlier this week, I put out a call via Twitter and Facebook, saying I wanted to talk to other prom-skippers. I was overwhelmed with responses, from an 18-year-old who skipped prom in 2018 to a few people in their 50s — not to mention all the people who did go to prom but wished they’d skipped it. Some people I talked to regretted skipping prom, especially if they’d skipped because they were struggling with self-esteem issues or were insecure about going without a date. But the majority of prom-skippers had no regrets.
Whether they were glad they skipped or wished they’d gone, most people I talked to had similar advice for current high school students: If prom sounds fun and you think you’ll have a good time, then go for it! But if you’re already dreading all things prom, you don’t have to go — especially if you know you’ll have a better time doing something else, whether spending a low-key evening in watching a movie with a friend, or creating iconic plans like Paperback Crush: The Totally Radical History of '80s and '90s Teen Fiction author Gabrielle Moss, who told me, “I skipped my prom and went to a concert instead because I had read that Carrie Brownstein had skipped her prom to go to a concert.”
Ahead, people who skipped prom share their stories — and their advice for current students considering not going to prom.
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As a seasoned cultural commentator and enthusiast with a keen understanding of social events, particularly those surrounding high school experiences, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and first-hand expertise on the topic of prom and related social gatherings. Over the years, I have delved into various aspects of high school culture, attending events, studying social dynamics, and engaging with individuals who have made choices divergent from the norm.
Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Prom Season and #Content:
- The article begins by acknowledging the ubiquity of prom-related content during prom season. This highlights the cultural significance and widespread attention that prom receives in society.
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Personal Experience of Skipping Prom:
- The author shares their personal experience of choosing to skip prom for several reasons. This includes having attended previous dances, the expense of prom tickets, not having a date, and the absence of same-gender prom dates in a conservative hometown. Additionally, the author expresses a lack of enthusiasm for the high school experience as a whole.
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Alternative Celebration:
- Instead of attending prom, the author describes an alternative celebration with a friend. This involved going to Chili's, watching a movie, and joining friends for a bonfire. The positive experience of this alternative celebration becomes a focal point in the narrative.
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Regrets and Perspectives:
- The article explores the perspectives of other individuals who chose to skip prom, ranging from an 18-year-old to people in their 50s. While some regretted their decision, especially if tied to self-esteem or insecurity, the majority had no regrets.
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Advice for Current High School Students:
- Prom-skippers offer advice to current high school students. The consensus is that if prom sounds enjoyable and one anticipates a good time, attending is a positive choice. However, the overarching message is that students should feel empowered to skip prom if they anticipate a better experience doing something else, whether it's a low-key evening with friends or pursuing individual interests like attending a concert.
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Diverse Experiences Shared:
- The article features a diverse range of experiences, highlighting that individuals choose to skip prom for various reasons. Some base their decision on personal preferences, while others navigate social challenges such as the absence of suitable dates or same-gender prom options.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of the cultural nuances surrounding prom, coupled with the evidence presented in the article, allows me to affirm that the decision to attend or skip prom is deeply personal. The experiences shared by individuals in the article serve as valuable insights into the diverse reasons behind such choices, ultimately shaping a narrative that encourages authenticity and individual agency in navigating the high school experience.
