I went to my prom alone. No date; not with a group of friends. I went alone. In society today, that is probably at the top of the list on “what not to do in high school.” I didn’t do it because of some rebellious stage or because I even wanted to for that matter. Things happen and that is how it ended up. I don’t consider myself brave or strong for pursuing this. I do consider myself stupid, though, for ever letting the mere fact of a person by my side stop me from a night I had been looking forward to for years.

When I first found out I would be going alone, I did not take it well at all. I was that girl who had been dreaming of a “prom-posal” since middle school and never hesitated to search through prom dresses each season (just in case an upper-classman needed a last minute date or something). So, when the reality sank in that I wouldn’t be getting that One Tree Hill, center of attention “prom-posal” I’d been hoping for, I concluded that prom wasn’t worth it. Now, whoever knows me knows that prom is my thing. Any excuse to put on a gown, get my hair and makeup done, and dance the night away is something I am instantly ready for. So when I started telling my friends and family that I wasn’t going, they didn't believe me. But for a solid month, I genuinely thought about it; I contemplated missing one of the best nights of senior year simply because I was too afraid to go alone.

I look back on my fears now and cannot fathom what came over me. I had never been one to give into norms in high school, so why was going to prom alone such a big deal? It wasn’t. Was it awkward standing to the side while my grade took couple shots? Of course. However, I still have an entire album of pictures from that day: pictures with people who I want to remember forever, candid pictures with my best friend (and some of me third wheeling her and her date), and a bunch of bomb selfies, if I do say so myself.

I look back at prom and don’t focus on the fact that I went alone. I can acknowledge it and am proud to say that I didn’t need someone to have a good time. That’s the thing about high school; everyone is so scared of being different that they will succumb to anything just to be ordinary. My intentions were not to go alone; however, I don't regret it for one second. I know that people wouldn’t change their mind like I did and would have missed out on a night to remember. For what? A date? It is not worth it. IT IS OKAY TO GO ALONE.

Let’s face it. I did not diet and work out all those months just for me to not wear that dress. Who cares if I didn’t have someone by my side? I still got dressed and I finally ate good food and I danced the night away with people I may never talk to again. But, regardless, I had FUN. If I had the opportunity to go back and change it, I wouldn’t. I am not saying everyone should rebel against dates, but the whole point is: stop stressing about them!! If you're in a relationship or want to go with a good friend, then so be it, but don't force something awkward just because you need to go with someone. The world will not end. In fact, the world keeps spinning, your night will be amazing, and you will look your absolute best.

Prom is about YOU. And quite honestly, in the grand scheme of things, whether or not you had a date to your senior prom will. Not. Matter. I am living proof that you will survive.

Dare to be different, because different is utterly beautiful.