Around spring of each year, the time arrives that most girls have been looking forward to since they first began middle school. I'm not talking about their first boyfriend or even their wedding day -- I'm talking about prom. Prom is a time for most girls to run a dry-course of their dream Pinterest wedding: they find the perfect dress, pick out their flowers, gather a group, the best date they can possibly find, and find that magical place to take pictures to bombard social media with; however, contrary to popular belief, Prom isn't all it's cracked up to be. As I've gotten older, I've come to realize how ridiculous I made prom out to be. Here are some lessons I've learned over the years and hope to pass on to you so you don't look back and regret a day that could be filled with grace and, most importantly, fun:

1. Chill.

I know you've been waiting on this day for a very, very long time. This day may seem like it's going to be super, mega stressful; however, it doesn't have to be. Go easy on your mom, your dad, anybody doing your hair/makeup/nails, your friends, and your date. They're all trying to help make this day fun and memorable, and that can't be done if you're being a prom-zilla. Breathe and realize this isn't a stressful event in the slightest.

2. Don't go with someone you're interested in.

Unless the person you're going with is your boyfriend/girlfriend, don't go with someone you're romantically interested in. You will spend the night attempting to please them or try to make yourself something you're not. You may not dance like you normally do for fear of being silly, or you may order a salad at dinner (because you want them to think you don't eat? How silly is that?). Go with a friend. Go with someone who you can dance with casually and slurp pasta in front of and have a good time. You'll look back and think, I had a great time, rather than, I wish I didn't spend my whole night trying to make him/her happy and interested in me.

3. Don't break the bank.

This isn't your wedding. There is no need to spend over $1,000 on a dress (or even more than $200, to be honest.) You can find beautiful dresses for less at formal consignment shops or even your friends' closets. There isn't a proper reason to go crazy over a dress to have the best dress there. As long as you walk in confidently with your head held high and have the time of your life, nobody will know or even care that you didn't get Sherri Hill's newest dress from her Couture line this year.

4. Eat!

I cannot stress this enough. So many girls stress out and decide not to eat in order to look good for the big day or in order to fit into their dress. Do you know what doesn't look good? Passing out during prom because you haven't had more than an apple and a glass of water for a week. Please maintain your regular dietary habits to prevent a fiasco. Also, don't make yourself miserable the night of by deciding to order just a salad (unless you want to, of course). It's OK to order pasta or a burger or a sandwich and actually enjoy your dinner the night of. Your date won't be ashamed that you actually eat, and if he/she is, then you picked the wrong date. Kick 'em to the curb.

5. Go with your friends.

Do not spend your time trying to find the most popular group to go with -- you will not have a good time. Go with your friends! Go with the people you can laugh the whole night with and have a great time. Go with those that you'll still be standing by years later and say, "Remember at prom when...?" Seriously, don't try to be cool or hip. You'll only make yourself unhappy.

6. Take pictures.

Don't be afraid to go up to that person and say, "Can we take a pic together?" or "Will you take a pic of me and my friend?" Odds are, they're in the same predicament. Don't try to look too posed or forced -- try to be happy! It's prom! On the other side of the coin, though, don't take too many pictures that you don't enjoy being in the moment of prom. Take enough to where you can sufficiently look back and remember the day and those you spent it with, but don't immerse yourself in social media in order to record the moment or see other people's moments. There are 364 other days for that.

7. Keep it legal.

Pretty self-explanatory. Don't do anything that you'll wake up and regret the next morning or that will be plastered all over social media and the internet's footprint for the rest of time. Remember, you're in high school. I'm acting like the mom here so your mom doesn't kick your tail when she finds out that terrible thing you did. Be smart. Prom isn't an excuse to drink underage, get high, have meaningless sex, or be stupid in general. Do you really want the local prison to see you in your beautiful dress? Do you want your mugshot to be you with your beautiful hairdo a mess and your elegant makeup running down your face? No. Keep it smart, keep it safe, and keep it legal.

Bottom line, prom is a magical time; however, don't make a lot of the mistakes that myself and so many of my friends have made in the past. Look forward to this day, but don't overlook the important things. Have fun, be safe, and have a happily ever after.