Types Of Prom Pressures And How To Deal With Them

Most teenagers see prom as the the cherry on top of their high school journey.  However, with numerous pressures they face during prom season, this is not always the case. Let’s go over some prom pressures and how to deal with them.

Prom Pressure 1 – Outfit

For prom, you are pressured to look your best, which also could also mean you are pressured into wearing an outfit you’re not used to or can’t afford. Not every girl is accustomed to wearing an elegant princess dress and not every guy has worn a fitted tuxedo before.

To tackle this pressure, put your own spin to everything. It’s your night – not your date’s, not your friend’s, and not your family’s. If the problem is money, pay for what you can afford and just accept reality. There are many ways you can save money during prom season and still look presentable for the big night such as renting a dress or tuxedo, carpooling, and DIYs.

Prom Pressure 2 – Body

The pressure of having the best outfit also brings the pressure of having the ideal body . Most female teenagers aim to become voluptuous as they feel the need to belittle others with their looks but also, please and impress the males.

Simply learn to appreciate your body to handle this pressure. Improve your self esteem by exercising – doing some workouts at home or jogging outside. Just remember, you want to be active  because you are doing it for yourself and not for others.

Prom Pressure 3 – Promposals

It is true that guys have it harder than girls during prom season because of promposals. The pressure of asking the girl they’ve liked for awhile, the pressure of executing the promposal perfectly as well as the pressure of obtaining the answer they want to hear are different mental and emotional weights they have to endure. For girls, there is also the pressure into having to say “yes” to a promposal while their friends are observing them, when in reality, they probably didn’t want to.

For the guys, learn how to be honest and express your feelings in the most natural way possible. Don’t feel pressured into asking someone to prom with a grand gesture. Perhaps, a simple and sweet question will suffice.

For the ladies, don’t feel pressured into saying “yes” because you are not obligated to please anyone but yourself. If your friends become somewhat salty about your refusal, then they are not your real friends. If they are genuine, they would respect your decision and move on.

Prom Pressure 4 – After party

Prom after parties have a reputation for underage drinking, drug consumption, and sex. Teenagers get pressured into drinking so that they may experience the same level of “fun” as others. Losing your virginity or having sex is also common as it apparently justifies one’s maturity and is an “exciting” topic among senior students.

Facing peer encouragements is easy as long as you know what is right for you. If you have a partner for prom, make sure you are transparent with them about this matter in case they are plotting a “move” for the night. Learn how to say “no” in situations that make you feel uneasy or uncomfortable.

Written by: Theresa Baladad

Featured image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/adolescent-adult-beauty-blur-459971/