Prom Spot - Go to His Prom -- and Feel Like an Insider

So a guy from another school has asked you to his prom? If leaving your ZIP code gives you the shakes, these tips will put you right back in your comfort zone.

Worry #1: You won't know anyone else but him...
Handle it: Don't cling to your date -- make an effort to reach out to a few open, receptive-looking girls. Maybe there's a girl from another school as well. Either way, explain that you're new, and that should buy you some sympathy. If the girls are shutting you out and the guys seem to be on their own planet, don't panic. You don't need to have someone by your side at all times. Stand there like you're surveying the room. You find the whole scene amusing, and you don't notice or care that you're unaccompanied. But after a little while, if you're feeling like your own island, gently remind your date that he's your host. Or grab your date and say, "I assume you invited a date because you wanted to dance, so let's go."

Worry #2: You're intimidated by the type of people at his school...
Handle it: Don't be! Pre-dance, ask him the "vibe" of his school or his crowd. If it's a conservative private school, you might need to wear a dress of a certain length (yes, dress codes can even apply at prom). If it's an arts school, the girls may not drool over your "mainstream" Chanel bag (even if you did just borrow it from your grandmother). But by all means, if his group doesn't sound like the kind of crowd you usually run around with, keep an open mind, be confident about yourself, and if all else fails, find the humor in it. We only tell you to ask him about the students so you'll spend less time gaping when you finally get there. But really, don't obsess over it; just let go and have fun!

Worry #3: You don't want to wear the same dress again...
Handle it: It's cost-effective and eco-friendly to re-wear your dress for a second event. Even if your dress, after wearing it once, doesn't smell bad, you should dry-clean it before you wear it again. You never know what kind of perspiration or odors may have dried on the fabric. Check the tag for care instructions before you do anything, though. If you've already taken the guy to your prom and can't afford two dresses, consider borrowing one of your friend's dresses. Who cares that he already saw it on someone else? Only celebrities wear outfits once, and even they borrow from designers!

Worry #4: You're not familiar with how to get there...
Handle it: You may not know your way around the area, so get good directions and a map (or GPS). Do a test-run at about the same time of day (rush hour? Friday evening?) you'll be traveling on prom night. That way, you'll know if you need extra time to make that dinner reservation -- or the all-important photo session.

Worry #5: You're not sure how the night will go...
Handle it: If you don't know the guy very well -- or his friends -- you can't know completely how the night will end (although you should try to get as much information from him ahead of time). Certainly if a guy asks but you’re worried about his "type" or that he's older, it's okay to turn him down for prom. But if you go and he wants to party afterward (and you want to part ways), make sure you know where you are so you can describe it to someone who can pick you up. Also, do you know what a cab ride home costs from that neighborhood? Just be prepared with the right resources, like money and a phone number for a cab company!

How many proms have you been to? Tell us at editorial@promspot.com!

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--Erin Meanley