Homecoming, the night of the year. The first time freshman get to be around seniors and not be judged(much). When everyone gets along for one reason. Dancing. Homecoming is a time for everyone's worries to disappear for the night. And a chance for everyone, despite differences, to be together in one room, having fun and dancing without a care in the world.

These are seven of Homecoming's biggest realities that many too often forget.

1. The actual dance. Everyone thinks that the dance will just be a time to let loose and have fun, which it is but in a different way. You are going to be uncomfortable. That's how it is. Wearing too tight of a dress and high heels, with your face coated in makeup and hair so stiff it hurts. Pain is beauty am I right?
2. The days leading up to and the day of the dance. Let's just face it, girls can be the nicest in the world but come homecoming day and they are stressed to the max, they will be a little bratty. It's a way of life. And moms know that it is to be expected, but try to go easy on them with punishments after the dance.
3. Boys. Now we know the girls are going to steal the spotlight, but every teenage girl wants someone to ask them to homecoming. It's a dream that everyone wants to happen. But also let me say this, just because a girl wants to be asked, doesn't mean that she'll say yes to a text message three days before. Make it count fellas!
4. Asking someone to homecoming. We know that everyone is different in their opinions of cute or overly cheesy. Heck I am one of those people who thinks romantics are weird, but I want to be asked to homecoming with an elaborate sign or out of this world idea, one that involves fairy lights or roses, maybe even my favorite book. And just because it is 'standard' for a guy to ask a girl, doesn't mean girls can't ask guys, or other girls. My first homecoming was with a group of girls, no guys, no excess worries, no problems. We just danced, ate pizza and watched movies all night. Simple.
5. After parties. Everyone talks big about going to party or get drunk after hoco, but we all know it's either a big party with you and your dates parents or your date with a bed, because it's 1 or 2 A.M. and you're tired. I love being around others as much as the next, I may not be a big party person with alcohol but that doesn't mean I won't go to an after party just to jump on a trampoline and eat food. (Who wouldn't?) I think the whole reason for after parties is just an extra excuse to hang out and stay up late. I mean after dancing from 7:30 to 11, who would want to go home?
6. Preparing for Homecoming. Seems like a simple task, I mean you've managed to find a date, or a group to go with, get a dress, and have plans for day of. I'll tell you first hand, they don't always work out the way you want. Reservations are pushed back, hair appointments canceled and makeup flukes. But try not to stress; everyone freaks out about the little things for homecoming, but the big picture is to go dance with friends and have fun. Let loose for a night and not have any worries about outside drama.
7. The dancing. Dancing is just dancing, enjoy it while you can, you only have a handful of these things before it's off to college, and then jobs. Don't let the little things about homecoming, the hair, the makeup, the big dresses, and the date. Just have fun and be in the moment, but not too crazy.

Everyone views homecoming differently. It's how it is. For teenagers it's a chance to have fun and let loose during the school year and not worry about parents for a few hours. Parents may see it as an inconvenience but if it makes us happy, they're happy. For everyone the experiences of homecoming are different, a good different though. Whether it's the dream dress, makeup fit for a model, or the party of your high school career, homecoming is one night of many, but who it's with and how it's spent is what makes it all the more special.