For many students, prom is supposed to be one of the most memorable nights of high school. It is filled with photos, matching outfits, and after-parties. But behind the excitement, there is a quieter reality: the pressure to find a date. With social media showcasing complicated promposals and picture-perfect couples, some students feel like going alone is not an option anymore. I sat down with senior Oisín O’Donnell to talk about prom, the risks of asking someone, and why taking the chance might end up being worth it.
Q: When you think about prom, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it excitement, stress, or something else?
A: Photos, date, the ballroom, and excitement. But it feels more refined compared to a homecoming dance. Social media definitely adds stress to it too. It makes you feel like you need a date to really go.
Q: Do you think prom is better with a date?
A:Yeah, I would say so. I did not go to junior prom, but I am pretty sure prom would be better with a partner for photos and having someone you know you can talk to and dance with.
Q: What do you think about promposals and how public they have become?
A: There is a lot of pressure on somebody. Both the asker and the person being asked. You might feel it through other people’s eyes, and the person can be pressured to be yes.”
Q: What makes a promposal memorable to you? The effort, creativity, or the person asking?
A: I would say creativity. It is more fun and memorable to ask in person in an elaborate way if possible.What matters most to me is who you go with. They are the person who gives you the drive and determines the amount of effort you put into the promposal.
Q: Do you think the idea of a “perfect prom” is realistic, or does it create unnecessary expectations?
A: Whether it is a perfect prom or not depends on someone’s perspective. It is definitely not an unnecessary expectation though. I think it is a good thing as it builds anticipation and you end up looking forward to it.
Q: How do you think people should handle rejection in a situation like this?
A: Keep your head up, and think of it as a learning experience. Trial and error, you only know by failing and every one of those failures is a stepping stone to something better.
Q: If you were planning your ideal promposal, what would it look like?
A: “Of course I would. I am not going to just ask a girl through text or just in person. I would rather go all out and take the risk. Maybe ask with a theme based on what the person likes.
Q: Why do you think rejection feels like such a big risk when it comes to prom?
A: If you are asking a friend, you are risking a friendship. But if you are asking for just a yes or no, it’s better to ask someone you do not know but you still do not want to embarrass yourself.
Q: What would you say to someone who is too nervous to ask anyone at all?
A: “If you really want a date, just put yourself out there and talk to people. There is still plenty of time. Worst case, you can go with a friend or honestly solo. It is not like you need a date.
As prom approaches, the pressure to find a date remains a big part of the experience for many students. Whether the answer is yes or no, taking the chance might be what makes the night and the story worth remembering.
