Whether you’re excited to go to prom or on the fence about it, take this quiz to get expert advice based on where you’re at in the process.
So, how are you feeling about prom?
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And we’re excited for you! Keep taking this quiz in case there’s any part you’re still unsure about. We’re here to help!
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It’s completely normal to feel nervous. Ask yourself what might be making you feel that way. If it helps relieve some of the pressure, you can make an exit plan to leave early in case you need it. Prom doesn’t have to be a perfect night. But it can be helpful to push through some discomfort so you can still show up for experiences that matter to you.
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It’s completely normal to feel unsure about prom. Ask yourself, “Do I genuinely not want to go, or am I just anxious about going?” If you truly don’t care about prom, it’s okay to skip it. But if anxiety is what’s holding you back, that’s different. Avoiding anxiety usually makes it stronger over time. To take some of the pressure off yourself, you can make an exit plan to leave early in case you need it.
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Guess you don’t need to take this quiz then!
Do you have your prom dress/outfit picked out?
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Hooray! Glad you’ve found the right fit.
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Yay! Sounds like you’re on the right track.
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It’s very normal to feel this way. But try not to fall into that thinking trap. Instead of worrying about looking perfect, think about how you feel when you’re trying on an outfit or when you picture yourself dancing. It’s more about the whole person rather than the body. And if you saw your friend wearing a dress they like, what would you tell them? We’re always so kind and supportive to our friends but hard on ourselves.
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Social media is usually just a highlight reel of someone else’s life. People are more willing to share positive content with their followers because it makes them look good. There’s no shame in that, but if you start to notice which accounts bring up bad feelings for you, remember that you do have some control over your feed. It’s okay to use the mute function. And if body image is a concern for you, look for content creators of different body types and sizes to follow. Just mixing up your feed can really go a long way in supporting your mental health.
Are you bringing a date?
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Awesome! You two are going to have blast!
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Nice! Hope you and your friends have a blast!
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It's okay to not have a date. You can talk to your friends and see if anyone else is going solo. Maybe you can coordinate to make sure you all stay connected throughout the party, like planning to get together every hour to take selfies. And if you don’t have a specific group of friends to go with, that’s okay too. Plenty of teens go to prom without a date. You can meet up with your friends at the venue and still have a great time.
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It's okay to not have a date. And if you really want to go to prom, don’t let this discourage you from going. You can talk to your friends and see if anyone else is also going solo. Maybe you can coordinate to make sure you all stay connected throughout the party, like planning to get together every hour to take selfies. And if you don’t have a specific group of friends to go with, that’s okay too. Plenty of teens go to prom without a date. You can meet up with your friends at the venue and still have a great time.
Are you planning on doing a promposal?
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Awesome, that will be fun!
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How exciting! We’re sure your date is going to love
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How exciting! We’re sure whoever you ask is going to love it.
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Most people appreciate the effort behind the promposal more than how much you spend. There are so many meaningful gestures you can do that don’t cost much money. For example, you can give your date a handwritten letter or make them a playlist. You can get a bouquet of flowers from the grocery store. And if you’re comfortable, you can be honest with your date that you’re really excited to go with them and you just need to do something within your budget for the promposal.
Will you and your friends be taking a limo to prom?
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Awesome, sounds like a plan!
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Awesome, have fun!
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So, this kind of issue is similar to planning who’s coming to a sleepover or a birthday party. You’re trying to work around people’s schedules and make sure everyone feels included. To lower the pressure — and minimize hurt feelings — you could get creative. You could draw names randomly like Secret Santa. Or you can make sure friends who don’t make it into the limo still feel included by organizing group prom photos beforehand or having a big breakfast the next day where everyone can hang out. At the end of the day, your friendship matters more than a short limo ride. Remember, you’ll still see each other when you get there!
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This is a very common concern, but most of the time, close friends care much more about being able to spend time with you than about how much money you or your family have. When you’re talking to your friends, it helps to keep it simple and matter-of-fact. There’s no need to overexplain or apologize — you get to decide how much you want to share. You might say, “I really want to go to the dance, but the limo isn’t in my budget right now. Can we meet there instead?” Speaking up directly shows that you do want to be part of the night. Staying silent, on the other hand, can sometimes make people assume you’re not interested in participating, even when that’s not the case.
Do you have plans to go to an after-party?
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It seems like you’re all set for the big day! When attending after-parties, it can be helpful to get on the same page as your friends and parents ahead of time. For instance, you might discuss where the party is located, what time you’ll need to leave, and whether you’ll need to be picked up or if a friend will bring you home. This way, your parents will feel secure about your safety, and you’ll be able to enjoy the party without any stress. Have fun!
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This is where it's important to have some discussions with your parents — or even your friends — in advance. What are some of your expectations for the evening, and how do you want to make sure that those expectations are met? It can feel awkward to bring it up, but a trusted adult can help you figure out questions like: What happens if someone's trying to pressure me to drink? What can I say that doesn’t feel weird? Practicing different options can help your feel a little more confident on the day of prom. For more helpful tips, click here.
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This is where it’s important to have an honest discussion with your parents. Having a game plan around what the expectations are for the evening — including where the party is located, what time you’ll need to leave, and whether you’ll need to be picked up or if a friend will bring you home — can help set your parents’ minds at ease and allow you to enjoy the party without any stress. And if you do have to leave early or if you can’t attend, it’s okay to be honest with your friends about the situation. You could even make a plan to debrief the next day over brunch or plan a separate hangout that your parents are comfortable with.
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After a big social event like prom, rest and a little time to yourself can be exactly what you need.
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You’re feeling ready for prom!
Looks like you’re all set for the big day. You’ve got everything planned out and even if you don’t, you’re sure you’ll figure it out along the way. Whether you’re going with a date, friends, or solo, remember to take lots of pictures!
You’re feeling a little nervous about prom.
While you’re pretty sure you’re still going to prom, you might be a little uneasy about certain parts of the process. Planning can be stressful, so be sure to take it easy on yourself and lean on your friends if you need to. They’re in the same boat as you! And remember that prom is meant to be a celebration for you to enjoy with your friends and peers. You got this!
You have mixed feelings about prom.
Lots of teens experience a range of emotions when it comes to prom. It can bring up a lot of social pressures and insecurities. Prom is meant to be a fun experience, so if it feels too stressful and you choose not to go, that’s totally fine. But if you want to go and just feel anxious about the process, don’t hesitate to lean on your friends and family for support. And prom is just one night. People remember you for the person you were throughout high school, not just for one evening.