The day SHS juniors have all been dreaming of arrives on Friday, May 11th. A day of joy and happiness, pictures, smiles and flowers, up-dos and gowns, friends and dancing. And it’s here on Friday, May 11th, let it be said once more.

    But no need to worry because three quarters, maybe more, of the junior class have had their prom dates since January. Thank you to whoever spawned that snowball.

    So why should one wait to ask a date for that special night until the day comes a little bit closer? For starters, if a couple is in a relationship it’s nice to think that they are going to be with the same person for the next three months, but how can one be so sure? Waiting to ask someone until the date comes a little bit closer guarantees that there will be smooth sailing for the couple and therefore no long term commitment to hold onto, or think about when the break up rolls around. That way neither partner is tied down by prom or hesitant about ending the relationship because of an awkward post-break up night at prom.

    Secondly, it creates unnecessary and unneeded stress. If a boy asks a senior girl to the prom that he’s acquaintances with, but does not know very well outside of class, he now has to start worrying about making their friendship a stronger one so the awkward kinks are all worked out before the big day. Locker visits, frequent conversation, hallway “Hello”s and the occasional texts are now mandatory actions the boy must do for the next twelve weeks.

    Thirdly, what if that acquaintanceship does turn into a better friendship, and then the boy realizes that he might not actually like this girl. He’s already committed to a picture session, an awkward dinner, and a three hour dance with this girl who now that he has gotten to know better, he no longer even likes. He should’ve waited.

    Next, let’s say a girl asks someone early as a security date, what happens if a better option comes along. Her dream date: handsome, a nice smile, fun, easy to talk to and a great dancer, broke up with his girlfriend in March. And now he wants to go with her! Too bad she asked someone two months too early, and therefore is stuck with her just-average date, instead of a night with Prince Charming.

    Finally, it puts the rest of the school into a pre-prom panic, way before it’s necessary. Yes, the stress and date searching panic of April are accepted parts of preparing for prom, but not starting in mid-January. Frantic date finding and stressed out girls roaming the halls should be saved for at least the month before.