Prom Spot - Before Prom, Decode His Guyspeak

Guys aren't always the best communicators, and they only get more confusing when something big's going down (like oh say, prom). Here's our guide to keeping you both from getting lost in translation.

HE SAYS: "Maybe we can hang out or something."
HE MEANS: "I want to ask you out, but I'm pretty sure you're out of my league."
YOU SHOULD: Set this hottie straight right away! If he's phrasing questions like this, he thinks he's in over his head. So you need to reassure him that the water's just fine. If you're into him, feel free to flirt with confidence.

HE SAYS: "I'll call you."
HE MEANS: "I want to call you, but I might bug out and not call you."
YOU SHOULD: Sit back for a bit. If he's feeling comfortable -- and confident -- he may pick up the phone himself. But if you've heard nothing after a few days, call him yourself. If you leave him a message and he doesn't call you back, then you have your answer either way. (Caveat: Sometimes when you and a guy are parting, he'll sign off with, "I'll call you." This can actually mean, "I'll never talk to you again," but he just doesn't want you to hate him. He's a wuss, and you deserve a sincere guy.)

HE SAYS: "That sounds...nice."
HE MEANS: "I don't want you to freak out because I said the wrong thing."
YOU SHOULD: Steer clear of grilling him about his opinions of your dress or your BFF. Why? He knows he's headed into unfamiliar territory (and he doesn't want to make a wrong turn!). Instead of trying to nail him down with lots of hot-or-not style Qs, fill him in on how excited you are about your dress or why you totally heart your friend. It'll give him a window into Girl-World.

HE SAYS: "Let's be friends."
HE MEANS: "Sorry, but it's not going to work."
YOU SHOULD: Let him go. It's tough, but any girl with a dating history has been on the other side of this one at least once. Hey, you might get a good friend out of it -- but not a romantic prom date. If you want romance on prom night, don't settle for him. You have options if you open your eyes. You deserve to go with a guy you have potential with!

HE SAYS: "So I'll see you around."
HE MEANS: "I totally want to see you again."
YOU SHOULD: Think positive. When a guy ends a conversation with this gem, you might feel kind of let down. It's so vague! But chances are you should be psyched! Yeah, it's pretty ambiguous, but it definitely leaves the door open.

HE SAYS: "Nothing's wrong, I'm fine."
HE MEANS: "I just want to chill."
YOU SHOULD: Relax. Ever called and found him less than talkative? It's not you -- it's just not a great time to call. Either the game's on, he's enjoying some quality time with his Xbox, or he's just, you know, not in the mood to rehash the prom timeline one more time. Don't push it. If you've just got to gab, call one of your girlfriends to talk up a storm.

HE SAYS: "So, uh, do you want to go to the prom with me?"
HE MEANS: "So, uh, do you want to go to the prom with me?"
YOU SHOULD: Say yes, silly!

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--Kate Wood