How to Select Your Dream Date for Your Prom

Prom night symbolizes so much in your life: it's the end of your high school career -- and the start of your life as a young adult. It's an evening to celebrate your achievement scholastically as you graduate -- and an evening to bid farewell to friends with whom you learned, laughed, and grew.

In the midst of preparing for the festivities and selecting the right attire, don't forget the most critical decision: picking a date for the prom.

Here's what to consider before you finalize your choice:

1. Are you attending a party or gathering after the prom with other friends? If you've been invited to an event after the prom, such as a get-together at a close friend's, or if you're traveling by limousine with others around town just for fun after your prom, make sure you invite someone compatible with your other pals. Otherwise, your date will feel awkward, and you may have problems fully enjoying the evening.

2. How long have you known the person? It may seem romantic to invite someone who you've always longed to ask out but never really socialized with. But if you don't really know your prospective date, you just might end up having challenges finding topics of mutual interest. Silence isn't golden when it's prom night!

3. Do your parents know your prospective date? Even if you've already turned 18, your parents may want to play a role in this special night. If they're helping to pay for your evening (for example, buying you a special prom dress or renting a tuxedo) or contributing to the cost of a limousine for you and your friends, it may cause them concern if they've never met the person you're inviting. If they haven't met your date, consider a way to introduce them to ease any potential concerns.

4. Are you inviting someone because you genuinely enjoy spending time with that person? If so, then you've made a wise decision. But if you've chosen your date because your best friend thinks you'd be a "cute couple" or because you feel that you "should" since you've dated before, it's time to re-consider. You want this to be a night to remember with pleasure. For example, I remember one of my closest friends felt sorry for a girl who had never dated during high school. He decided to "do her a favor" by inviting her to the prom. As a result, the two of them sat in silence for most of the evening, rarely dancing and leaving early. Make sure you invite someone because you truly want to spend the evening with that person.