Prom.

It’s one of the first events you think of when talking about your soon-to-be high school years or reminiscing on what once was. One night a year that teenage girls plan for months to have the perfect date, the perfect dress, and the perfect night.

However, is it all glitter and glam? Or does it place an immense amount of stress on the shoulders of many high schoolers? Let’s talk about the reality of the long-anticipated prom season. 

“I tried on A LOT of dresses and was very nervous about finding a dress that matched the look I was imagining,” said Gianna Cipriani, a junior who has already purchased her prom dress and experienced the stress of the process.

We all know most females are perfectionists, so imagine the stress they carry during the planning months of one of the most important nights in a high schooler’s life. Along with finishing out the last few months of school, and for seniors, preparing for college, this adds an unhealthy amount of stress and anxiety to an already occupied and busy life.

Stress isn’t the only problem many teen girls face during this time of year, it’s also a struggle to constantly have your body analyzed and critiqued. It’s no secret that dress shopping isn’t easy. It casually points out all of our deepest insecurities and makes girls feel self-conscious and unconfident on top of all of that stress. 

“It’s very common for girls to get insecure when trying on dresses for prom,” said Cipriani. “Especially when you walk out of the changing room in a dress you don’t feel confident or comfortable in and everyone’s eyes are on you in a very self-conscious moment.”

During seasons of planning like this, it’s not uncommon to hear female friends and classmates say, “I’ll pass on lunch, prom is coming up,” or, “I have to start eating healthy so I can fit into my prom dress.” These phrases are extremely problematic and dangerous for teen girls and set bad examples for younger girls who are waiting to experience these seemingly “picture-perfect” high school dances.

“Students need to remember that prom is one special day in the year and that they shouldn’t put undue stress on themselves to try and be ‘perfect’,” said Mrs. Seals, an English teacher. Seals shed some light on her experiences at prom when she was in high school and shared what prom is really about. “They should really try to enjoy all the preparation such as trying on dresses, buying shoes, getting their hair and nails done, and not make it stressful. Remember to cherish the time you are spending with your friends and family.” 

So, this 2024 prom season take the word “perfect” out of your vocabulary. There is no perfect, dress, perfect date, or perfect night. Instead, be thankful for the people you spend it with and the opportunity to have a night to remember.

And let’s be real, have you ever been to a dance and seen anyone that didn’t look absolutely stunning? Or do you remember that one girl who had the perfect date, but not the perfect dress? No, so don’t let yourself get wrapped up in the insignificant parts of what could be one of the best nights of your high school years if you let it be.

And remember you will look great no matter what, and make sure you remind others of that during a very difficult and demanding time of the year.