As prom season is just around the corner, so are awkward and unoriginal “promposals.”
There are so many stressors that come with planning the perfect prom day, whether it be about arranging for pictures or finding an outfit. Making or receiving a promposal should not add to this.
Over the years, they have become more extravagant each year. While a simple “Will you go to prom with me?” once might have sufficed, the standards are higher now.
As it has become more of a trend in recent years, it also has become more just for show. Everyone posts about them as soon as they happen, so it has turned into a competition over whose promposal is the best. This takes the sentimental value away from it.
The expectation now is that signs have to be artistically done, everything has to be a big gesture, and it always comes with a filled basket or an expensive gift. While these promposals are nice with the right intention, they blow out of proportion the idea of prom, and at the same time, they make others feel bad if they cannot put one together as good.
While it is really thoughtful to want to show appreciation for one another, doing so in public is a bad experience for everyone. It feels almost the same as getting sung to on your birthday: The person targeted feels uncomfortable, the people involved are overselling it, and bystanders are not sure what to do.
Another thing to avoid is copying something that is overdone. It should not be the first Google search result under “promposal sign ideas,” which is most likely something similar to “I DONUT want to go to prom with anyone else.” These approaches are cute, but they are oftentimes cheesy and not appreciated by everyone.
They should be worry-free and show care for another person, not an extra pressure added to prom. That being said, there is no need to make them over the top. A simple sign accompanied by flowers or candy is the perfect way to go.
It is best to make the ask more unique and customized to that specific person to make it more meaningful. It is more work to come up with an idea without looking up an idea online, but if the decision is made to do it, go all the way and do it right.
There are many different ways to ask without a sign without having to go all out. Some have gone to Starbucks, bought the person’s favorite drink, and written “Prom?” on the side. It is simple, special, and just as much recognized.
In return, for those who are being asked, it is best to be grateful. Remember that it takes a lot of courage and time to ask someone. Along with this, it is unnecessary to brag and post about it everywhere. Leaving it more personal in general makes it more special.
Overall, when it comes to promposals, simpler is better, and if all people involved are considerate, promposals should not be as much of a stress as they seem.
