Beech Tree News Network

“If you have attended a prom, what did you like about it and what did you not like about it?”

---

This spring, my youngest granddaughter and many other high school students have attended or will soon attend prom. Seeing prom pictures on Facebook brought back memories of many past proms – mine, my siblings’, my children’s, and my grandchildren’s. They also reminded me of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” lyrics: “You can dance. You can jive. Having the time of your life.” Prom might be considered a high school rite of passage.

Thinking about proms, I asked friends and family, “If you have attended a prom, what did you like about it and what did you not like about it?” Their responses are listed below.

-I attended prom all four years of high school, and every year was fun. I loved getting all dressed up – the dress, hair, makeup, all of it. I liked seeing everyone else dressed up and always had fun dancing with my friends. The thing I remember not liking was the cost. My parents made sure I had a wonderful experience all four times, but I knew even then that it was hard on them to make it happen, despite the smiles on their faces. I appreciated it then, but even more now.

-I loved getting my hair and makeup done and getting to see everyone else dressed up. I didn’t really enjoy the fast dances because I didn’t know how to dance and felt awkward.

-Oh, my goodness! That was a long time ago! I loved dressing up, wore big hoops, and felt like Cinderella! Back in the day, girls only went to one prom – senior year, and it was special. For homecomings we wore Sunday best. No dislikes!

-I didn’t enjoy any of them. I just went because my girlfriend wanted to go. Oh, I hated everything but the vehicles and eating beforehand. It was a hassle to dance poorly to 2000’s songs. I wouldn’t recommend going.

-I attended all of the proms during my years in high school, and I loved them! Seeing everybody all dressed up and having a night to celebrate our journey through growing up was wonderful! Memories that I still keep close to my heart.

-Oh my…to think of that 1968 prom with my life love. Just a perfect night except for the prom pictures where we looked like two young deer in the headlights.

-Yes, I attended – like a hundred years ago. It was just ok and wasn’t that much fun in hindsight. Like many things in life, there were multiple steps to complete to participate.

– find a date (preferably someone you get along with), get the tux or dress, flowers, reservations for dinner, arrive early to pick up your date so the parents can take pictures (this takes too long). So, you’re rushing to make dinner; you eat then drive to prom. Take more pictures, and it’s basically a school dance you overdress for…. Anyhow, when I was a kid, they wanted you to stay after prom and get locked in the school because so many kids died on prom night because they would drink and drive. We stayed up all night at the school (locked in) playing games, watching movies, and eating junk food then drove home exhausted next morning (totally safe – that’s sarcasm). I had much more fun doing other “normal” activities when I was young. A Friday night football or basketball game then cruising town were way better in my opinion.

-At the time, it was a dream most every young girl wants – a rite of passage. I liked everything. I was too young to see any flaws…innocence and youth.

-Ironically, I loved all things prom except for the dancing. I enjoyed getting dressed up and getting to spend time with my grandma while we searched for dresses. She even made my first prom dress! I loved getting my hair and makeup done and the time with my boyfriend and my friends. But I can’t begin to describe how bad a dancer I am. So, finding excuses to stay at the table while everyone else was dancing was a little tricky. But in my senior year, I just owned it. I admitted that I didn’t know how to dance, and I wasn’t going to learn right then.

-I went to two proms. The enjoyable part of those evenings was getting to dress up and experience glamorous nights with friends. Details of the actual events aren’t memorable, but I know a lot of work and money went into making the night a special occasion.

-I liked my prom in 1970!

-I never attended a prom. I wasn’t pretty because I was fat, had no personality to attract boys. I was often bullied and friendless. I think my teachers realized that so another girl and I worked refreshments that prom year.

-I liked hanging out with friends. I didn’t like all the pictures.

-Unlike most of the girls, I did not like the prom dress part. I think I would’ve had much more fun if I had been in a more comfortable/breathable dress.

-I liked getting all dressed up; I hated the music played at prom.

-Proms are always fun…. Can’t remember much about them. My wife and I were prom king and queen.

-I am 50/50 about proms. The dressing up can be fun, but it’s an additional expense for parents. I had long hair in high school and was never pleased with it “fixed.” I enjoyed dancing, but it could be a long night, depending on the company.

Proms aren’t just another dance or party; they are stressful. I read some advice about such events, and one person said: “Don't forget to take the picture, even if you're running late!” One day, you and/or your family will appreciate having the night captured in a photo. And as ABBA’s "Dancing Queen" lyrics remind us, have the time of your life. Then maybe you can sleep in the next day.