If I squint hard enough, I can still remember my first assembly as a freshman. I thought it was so entertaining and I loved the school’s energy. As soon as I thought it couldn’t get any better, I witnessed something I never had before. A senior named Salvador de Leon took the stage and asked his girlfriend to homecoming. The school roared and jumped as he walked down to her seat and gave her flowers. Her answer was, of course, yes. But see, that’s the thing.
If someone makes that much of an effort into creating a beautiful presentation to ask that special someone to homecoming or any other dance, it’s hard to say no. Many friends of mine have been in that tough situation when they don’t want to say no because they don’t want to hurt their feelings or embarrass them in front of everyone. Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying elaborate presentations aren’t absolutely adorable because trust me, I am that girl who watches on the side, squealing with her hands over her heart. I just think the simplicity of asking someone to homecoming has been lost within the flowers and the large posters.
It has become a part of our culture to make huge signs with catchy phrases, buy the most beautiful flowers, and spend great amounts of time and energy into preparing a proposal for a significant other. Although it is a nice gesture that people are willing to prepare proposals for the people they want to ask, I think it is unnecessary.
If you have the confidence, then go for it, and if you want to do something special then go for it but whatever happened to, “Hey! Do you want to go to homecoming with me?” There is no problem with just asking. I feel it even makes it easier and I am sure cost efficient. It is more convenient to ask your date casually.
Many risks come with extravagant proposals. Maybe the person doesn’t want to go with you but they can’t reject you in front of the whole school or maybe they already had plans to go with someone else or with their friends. If you are thinking of asking someone, maybe do a little thinking and planning beforehand. Maybe ask around before, see if that person is available. Think about the person’s personality and whether or not they would prefer being put on the spot with many others watching or just asked in a casual conversation.
The previous advice is more directed towards people out of relationships. If you are in a relationship, then the chances of your partner saying yes is much higher (well, duh). But as for those of you out of relationships, consider taking my two cents. I mean, think about all the money you will save and the time deciding which flowers they would like best. A huge plus to simply asking is the fact that because the whole school isn’t watching, you won’t be as nervous! Just remember, some people prefer simplicity and simplicity is sweet.