by InspiredWritingResearch

Created on: May 14, 2008

The first tip for trying to be a good prom date is to treat this perfect prom night date differently. This is different, this is special and might be a once in a lifetime opportunity - and your date will probably want that classy experience too. A lot of preparation, expense and and time has gone into the run-up for the big night.

Even if you are in a happy long-term situation with your special person, putting extra emphasis on professionalsism, courtesy, punctuality and manners on this night of all nights will ensure that you are each the best date you can be for each other, so go overboard on the formalities - just this once.

Be punctual - one of the oldest courtesies of all. Bad time-keeping displays disrespect for the value of the other person's time. Anxiety and chase-up phone calls cause flustering and upset, and put the rest of the night's events behind schedule. If you are the gentleman in the situation, turn up smartly turned out and in time to accompany your special lady in safety. If you are the lady in question, be beautifully ready when your special man arrives and don't keep him hovering on the doorstep. This is a time for each of you to see each other in a different light - maybe even put each other on a pedestal for the night!

Compliment each other! You have both made a huge effort for each other, so show your appreciation by picking out elements of 'the look' or 'the etiquette' that particularly impress you.

Be ready to be attentive, but to socialise courteously by mingling appropriately with others - and allow your special companion to do likewise. Always keep a weather eye open however,to check that your date is not left isolated, or in a group where they look bored or uncomfortable.

Remember your introductions - this etiquette saves embarrassment for your prom date who may need to refer to friends' partners they haven't met before by their names, later in the evening.

Include your prom date in conversations within your friendship group. It's easy to get carried away in the excitement of the evening and forget that your partner may be meeting new people who might discuss events that they are not familiar with. Worst of all is hurting by flirting. Why deliberately hurt a special person's feelings and burst the perfect prom night bubble?

Don't disappear off to the cloakroom, bar or garden for ages without saying where you're going. It's all too easy to meet a group of friends and get chatting. Five minutes turns into half an hour and your date feels abandoned and irritated - stay focused on the first lady, or gentleman if you're the girlfriend.

Recognise the body language and other cues that mean your date is tired and is ready to leave. If you are still having a good time, this may be tricky and require a compromise. Set an-between time, then stick to it. your date might be right to leave on the crest of the prom night wave while you're both ahead, rather than watching a magical night begin to deteriorate. Then you will have some special time together while the night is still young enough - and neither will be too tired to see the other one home safe and sound.

'Manners maketh man' (and woman) so the saying goes - and if there is one night to make each other feel like a million dollars - then Prom Night is it!

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