Many people worry about everything that could go wrong. This perspective fails to recognize that having a good time does not require every detail to be perfect.

Many teens would agree that the prom is one of the most important events in the high school experience. For some it is a special night to anticipate. For others, the prom is fraught with endless worries: What if I don't have enough money to buy my dream dress? What if another girl comes in the exact same formal? What if I don't get a date? What if my date wants to drink and drive? These fears are real and can be paralyzing. But a little planning and use of solid judgment will transform a trembling teen into a prom queen.

The Financial Foe And Your Dream Dress

Fact: It does not have to cost a fortune to have a great time. A young lady who selects a less expensive dress may actually feel more comfortable and less anxious. For example, spilling something on a dress that did not require taking out a loan is not the end of the world. Less expensive options may include renting a dress, checking out the thrift shops for funky vintage styles, or surfing for bargains on eBay. If your heart is set on a costly designer ensemble, working a part-time job or doing chores around the house to repay your parents is a responsible approach to securing the dress of your dreams.
      What if someone else shows up in the "dream dress?" Many young ladies share this fear and create undue anxiety for themselves. Rather than react with embarrassment and anger, consider making light of the situation. You might even want to get a picture with the other girl who shares your good taste in fashion. You'll probably end up laughing and discussing the choices you made while shopping.

Reject Rejection!

Another fear that haunts teenage girls is not being asked to the prom. If the object of your desire doesn't ask, consider asking him! It is perfectly acceptable in the modern world for a female to do the asking. The important thing is to find a date you know you'll enjoy spending the evening with, whether it's a friend, boyfriend or girlfriend, or the love of your life. Keep in mind that many teens attend the prom with a group of friends rather than a date. Who better to spend the evening with than those who love you for who you are? As you laugh and dance the night away, you will forget that what's-his-name overlooked you or turned you down. On the flip side, if you need to decline an offer, do it politely and graciously. Try to step back and remember what it's like to be in the other person's shoes.

Make Healthy Choices

Diet & Exercise: The pressure to lose weight to slip into a dress two sizes too small is not worth the trouble - or worth risking your health. Crash dieting will make you feel weak and cranky, and is not only dangerous, but it may also cause your metabolism to slow down. So if you make it through the big night without fainting from starvation and then return to your usual diet, you'll quickly gain back the weight you lost. Instead of going to desperate measures, exercise regularly and eat a variety of healthy foods in preparation for the event. Drink tons of water and get plenty of rest, especially on the days leading up to the prom, to help you look and feel healthy and beautiful.

Safety First: You can have a great time on prom night without putting yourself at risk. Although teens frequently hear this advice, it is worth repeating again and again: Don't drink and drive - Don't do drugs. These substances impair your judgment in ways that you could deeply regret later. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), on one of the most popular prom nights in 1999 as many as 62% of the overall traffic fatalities were alcohol-related. Your choice: stay sober or risk becoming a sobering statistic.

Be the Prom Queen
Following the common sense advice above will get you to and from the prom safely. But what about the time you spend at the prom? Take a few minutes to consider what you want your prom experience to be. In other words, plan your memories! Do you want to think back about how you spent the whole evening worrying about your dance steps, a hair out of place, or a broken fingernail? Or would you rather remember a night of laughter and fun with friends? Many people worry about everything that could go wrong. This perspective fails to recognize that having a good time does not require every detail to be perfect. In fact, it is often the snafus that give us the most enjoyment in life. It is how you approach uncertainty that will determine your prom experience. You can be a trembling teen or you can be the prom queen. Once you've made up your mind to be the prom queen, your night will be perfect even if you make a few missteps.

Lori Sikorszky graduated from Kent State University with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She serves as the Assistant CEO/Director of Clinical Services at a psychiatric hospital and has been involved with pageants since the age of 13. "Dr. Lori" has held many state and national titles, including Miss Pennsylvania National Teenager 1983, Miss Petite USA 1989, and she was twice a top 10 finalist in the Miss Pennsylvania (America) pageant. She is listed in Who's Who Among American Executives and Professionals.

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