Prom Spot - Turn That Dud into a Stud

It's true -- guys can be impossible. But smart girls know that every dud has an inner stud just waiting to come out. Before you bail, check out our tips for a quick and effective guy makeover.

He: Still hasn't asked you to prom (and the word is, he wants to).
You: Flirt and drop hints. He's probably shy and just looking for a chance to get you alone. If you're always surrounded by your extended circle of BFFs, step out of the crowd and give him an opportunity to talk one-on-one. (If he has to be vulnerable, you can make yourself a little vulnerable too.)

He: Is totally clueless!
You: Step up to the plate. Most guys would like you to set them straight -- in fact, they'll be glad not to have to do most of the prom legwork. So now's the time to roll up your sleeves and pitch in. If he doesn't know the first thing about tuxedos, go along while he gets a fitting. And if he's hopeless when it comes to the corsage, you'll be just as happy to pick it out yourself. Sometimes the only way to get anything done right is to do it yourself. But if you think you’re stepping on toes, just ask him.

He: Thinks dressing up is for dorks.
You: Consider an alternative. If he's a rebel and refuses to dress up, is that so wrong? Not everyone has to look exactly the same. If your guy's got style but doesn't want to do the full tuxedo look, try suggesting a semiformal tux or even a T-shirt, slacks, blazer, and Converse or Vans. If you get to flex your style muscles, so should he. It's called compromise. Your dress is about self-expression, so shouldn’t a guy be able to riff on the penguin suit that every other guy will have on? You might actually be wowed by the results!

He: Wants to get busy on prom night.
You: Handle the situation calmly. Somehow, your date got a key to a hotel room and is bragging about the big night to all his friends. If you've got something else in mind, now is the time to lay down the law. Say, "I heard you got a hotel room. I have different plans and I just wanted you to know in case you want to cancel your reservation."

He: Turns out to be boring to talk to and doesn't want to dance.
You: Engage him! If having a conversation feels like pulling teeth, ask him 50 questions about baseball or whatever subject he gets fired up about. Suddenly he's talking a mile a minute -- and feeling more comfortable. If he's a good guy, he'll ask you questions back. Is he afraid to dance? Surround him with a bunch of his buddies, request a song he can rap to, or find the darkest corner on the dance floor so he doesn't feel exposed.

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--Elina Furman