I knew this was coming ...
I had the misfortune to read my mail a week or so ago, as I received my prom invitation. While the invitation being in the shape of a star and a moon was an interesting touch, it couldn’t keep me from turning green at the implications of that piece of postage.
It’s not that I’m not looking forward to prom, because I am. Seriously. The part I’m not looking forward to is having to find a date.
Yes, I realize that Andrea already wrote a blog entry similar to this. But what she doesn’t seem to get is that girls have it much easier than us quiet, not extremely outgoing guys. While they can take their sweet time and wait for a date, we actually have to go out and get one.
When I think about it, finding a date really shouldn’t have been much of a problem. I could have built up a list of possible people I could ask so that at worst I would be going with a friend I could have a good time with. Instead, I put it off until now, when I’ve had to rush and try to think of who I’m going to ask, and then actually go through with asking them.
That in and of itself really isn’t that big of a deal, since I don’t fear rejection that much. The only problem is that I don’t want to feel like a complete idiot if the person I ask says no.
If anybody has an idea as to how to lessen the “idiot factor,” as I like to call it, please tell me. I may need it.
— Carl Zielinski
Comments
Can I say that this whole thing about “having to find a date” is extremely dumb? If it’s important to anyone personally, then fine, they should go for it. But I chaperoned last year and I saw no evidence that it mattered at all. People would arrive with their alleged date, leave (um hopefully) with their alleged date, but in the middle they just hung out with their friends, danced in random, ever-shifting groups, and talked with whoever was around. I had no idea who arrived with whom—-except of course for Mo and George, being the only two people with bicycle helmets and reflecting tape—-and as far as I can tell, NOBODY CARED.
Proms and county fairs are both relics of a much slower and far more boring era, when there was no electronic entertainment, when transportation was bad (oops sorry Mo and George), when little boys thought National Geographic was exciting reading material. These institutions have served their purpose. If they don’t serve yours, then move on.
I think Carl and/or Andrea and whoever else should form a giant “just say no to silly formalities” contingent. No date? No problem! Show up and see your friends and just have a good time. And say hi to your chaperone.
Posted by: rayrayplainsalt | April 6, 2007 9:21 AM