For many young women, the prom or graduation is a scaled-down version of their future weddings.  It involves a flurry of activities including the purchase of a dress, shoes and accessories, having your hair, makeup and nails done, arranging for corsages and even a limousine.  In the midst of all these fun preparations, the tricky part can be obtaining a date for the event.  If you are a renaissance woman, or even if you aren’t, asking a guy to your prom or graduation shouldn’t be agonizing.  Here’s how to make the process easier. 

Choose Wisely

Evaluate your options.  Ensure that the person you want to ask is someone whose company you could truly enjoy, not simply the guy that is desired by every girl at school.  Refer to your own social circle.  Perhaps there are boys in that circle of friends that you know you would have a great time with.  Choosing someone such as this instead of a date that is gorgeous but tear-jerkingly boring, is a better option.  Remember, this is one of the most exciting and unforgettable nights of your life.  You don’t want to spend it with someone whose idea of a good time involves monopolizing the conversation with tales of his beer-guzzling and stomach-pumping escapades.   

Smoke Signals

Despite this being the year 2007, our social mores still place enormous pressure on men to initiate everything in a relationship.  Once you’ve determined a potential date, don’t be shy.  Yes, it can be difficult to ask a guy out, especially if you’ve never done it before.  However, you can ease the situation by conveying your interest in him through subtle signals.  Smile at him whenever you see him.  Approach him in the cafeteria and start a casual conversation.  Ask him if you can borrow his biology notes (that is, if you are in the same biology class).  Think of it as a “preparation” stage.  If you come across as bold, friendly and outgoing, you increase your chances of him liking you and wanting to spend more time with you.  As well, having some exposure to this person prior to asking him out allows you the chance to determine if the two of you have any compatibility and builds your confidence levels.