I know it sucks at the moment, because prom is all anyone ever talks about: their dresses, their dates, how they were asked, what vehicle they were taking, etc., but your time will come. The whole event is a huge competition on who can show up looking the best with the hottest date in the most unique ride, which in the end, was usually those who had the most money. But that does not matter to you. You didn’t want to win anything, you just wanted to go for the experience. You wanted to go to say you went. You wanted to go with your friends and their dates, one last time. You went for the pictures and the memories to keep forever, not to impress anybody. But your only stipulation was that you wanted a date.

People will try and tell you that not having a date shouldn’t stop you from going. That going by yourself is cool, or going with your girlfriends is normal. While that might be true in some cases, and okay with some people, it is okay to use not having a date as an excuse. Where I’m from, the whole town comes to watch prom walk in, you and your date get out of a fancy car and walk the red carpet as you are announced and cameras flash from every direction. I know because I grew up watching it and dreaming about the day I finally was eligible to attend.

The reality is it can be embarrassing to show up to prom without a date and can really take a toll on you mentally and emotionally. Do not be ashamed of that. It is a hard decision to make, whether to go or not to go, because you only have a few chances. Would you rather never have gone to prom or go solo? This can be a tough call for some girls, but I assure you that both options are acceptable. It is your choice. Do not let anyone guilt you into going or not going.

I didn’t go to prom because I didn’t have a date. I got criticized to some extent for my decision, but it was my decision regardless. I very much could have gone with some friends, but I did not want that. It wasn’t worth the money for me. It was a date or nothing and that was just my personal philosophy. Lots of people do go in groups or go solo, and that is also okay. The decision is yours.

Whatever the decision, don’t let it get to you. Don’t let it get to you that you don’t have a date because it will pay off in the long run. Your time is coming, I promise you. In a few years, you will be smiling at all the single classmates who had dates to prom, while you are in a healthy relationship with someone who is perfect for you. That is exactly what happened to me and it will happen to you too when the time is right. Let it go. Right now, it seems like the most important event, but just keep in mind all the important events ahead of you. Wait your turn. Life gets much better.