If you are not asked to prom, your world is not going to end. Shocking, I know, but believe me: not being asked to prom is not as bad as you’d think. I myself was not asked to prom, and look at me now! I survived!

At the time, when everyone else got the cute invitations to prom and the adorable proposals, it sucked. It sucked watching every other girl feel special, all the while wondering if I would too. I watched as friend after friend found her date, and before I knew it, the day of prom came without my own.

A girlfriend of mine moved to Shrewsbury a couple years ago, so I decided, if I wasn’t going to have a date, I’d bring my buddy instead. Sure, she wasn’t my “date” per say, but she is a great friend and was very good company.

I went to photos at a friend’s house, and hammed it up with my buddy, even doing the “prom pose” when all the couples did. And honestly? I have no regrets.

I’m almost glad no one asked me. I didn’t have to worry about making sure my date was having a good time or worry about what I might say during small talk. I didn’t have to dance with just one person, and I could float in and out of the dance floor as I pleased. I ate dinner with my friends, skated at post-prom and nearly fell asleep during the hypnotist show, just like everyone else.

I had lots of other friends that didn’t have dates either, so we spent a lot of time just enjoying the company of each other.

Despite what movies might show and what people might say, prom is not the most important event in your high school career. Prom is a day to wear a pretty dress, feel like a princess, and hang out with your buddies. You don’t need some guy to make sure you have a good time: that’s up to you.

To the ladies with dates: I hope your guys are as gentlemanly as can be. To the ladies without: trust me, it isn’t as big a deal as you might think.