by Mandy Anderson

Created on: May 10, 2008

We've all had those prom dates that have been less than desirable. Like the boy who leaves his prom date at the party because he is bored and figures she'll find a ride home with someone else. What about the girl who throws up on her date because she has had too much "liquid courage" for the night? (Sorry parents, this does happen more than you think.)
Yep, nightmare dates have happened to the best of us. The good dates are the ones that are hard to find and come few and far between. Albeit finding a good date is near impossible, with a little help, we can all learn how to improve our prom date quality.

To become a good prom date, you must recognize what this night is NOT about. It is not about the car you are driving that night (no matter how elite it might be). While your mode of transportation may be shiny and come with leather seats, it will not be what your date desires as your focal point for the evening. Any date that is more enamored with his vehicle than his date needs to set his priorities straight, especially if his date is his girlfriend.

Prom night is not about being over protective about your date. Your date may decide to dance with a guy friend during the fast songs if you are less than thrilled about even trying to get jiggy with it. If this happens, do not sit there and scowl at them as though you are planning their demise. Instead, smile and be supportive of your date's willingness to have fun. This will prevent a fight that would be a horrible ending to an otherwise wonderful evening.

Remember that prom night is not a time to make your date dance with her ex-stalker. This is just not a wise choice, no matter how sad the ex-stalker might look. You may think you are bing a compassionate person for doing this, but it will create a very uncomfortable situation. If you do this, your prom date will be ready to find another date before the end of the next song!

Finally, remember that this night is not a time to be on a mission to win all of the prizes at the after party, leaving your date to fend for herself. While being competitive can be fun, try involving your date in your desire to win all of the prizes. You may be surprised at how much more fun you will have!

Above all, be conscious of your date's feelings. Keeping that in mind, along with remember these four tips, will help you on your way to becoming a good prom date. After all, prom is an event to be cherished and a time to have fun with your date and your friends.

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