I've never been to a school dance.

At least, I've never been to a school dance unless you count those really lame ones in middle school where all you did was dance around in awkward circles to "Cotton Eye Joe." If you count that, then yes, I guess I've been to a school dance. If not, then no, I most certainly haven't. Not prom, not homecoming, not even the winter formal.

As a senior in college, I've definitely had experiences with school dances. I've sent my younger brother off to prom several times, tweaking his clothing choices so they will match his date. I've done my best friend's hair multiple times before she heads off to whatever dance will take up the remainder of her night. I've bought flowers, taken pictures, and have definitely mastered the art of going into a store and avoiding the long lines of high school girls enthralled in the search for the perfect dress.

And yet, I don't really regret not going.

Everyone says that going to prom and homecoming are some of the most valuable life experiences, and I'm not about to deny that they are. I'm sure they're wonderful events that will stick with you forever, but my decision to stick around at home and watch a movie with my cat while eating popcorn and ice cream sounds much more enjoyable than wearing three inch heels for hours on end.

Plus, ice cream and popcorn are cheaper, and I definitely don't have to ask my cat if she'd like to spend the evening with me.

It's not that I don't dance either, because if you know me even relatively well, you'll know that one of my goals in life is to be able to do a dance from "Singin' in the Rain," but the idea of a school dance still doesn't appeal to me. It sounds absolutely exhausting, and I'd much rather spend my money on tickets to see a Broadway musical or use my time to go out with friends to a movie.

So if you're out there this homecoming season and you're thinking that school dances might not be for you, don't fret. You don't have to go to a dance to have a good time. You don't need to go because it's what everyone else is doing or because it's what's expected of you as a 15 year old high school student. If my experiences have anything to show for it, you'll be just fine whether you go or not, so don't worry about it and go make memories in a way that fits you.

And if you are going, have fun and be safe. It's what I tell my friends and family as they head off to their own school dances, no matter how many times I stand in the doorway to watch them go.

I don't stand long though. After all, I have a movie and a cat to get back to.