Dateless for prom need not be a downer Prom Prom High-schoolers envision many different scenarios for prom night. They may have their wardrobe picked out, the transportation arranged and the group of friends with whom they will celebrate. What prom-goers may not foresee is heading to the prom without a date. The reality is that students go solo to the prom each year and still have a very good time in the process. Prom is a highlight of high school for many teenagers. But a great deal of pressure is placed on students come prom night, when students’ worries about their attire pale in comparison to the social pressure many feel. Many would-be prom goers would prefer to go without a date to alleviate some of the pressure to live up to certain prom night expectations. Today it is quite common for groups of friends to go to prom or homecoming together. For students attending the prom without a date, there are still ways to enjoy the event to the fullest. These are some tips for having fun at prom if you’re going stag. • Establish a party within a party. Use the prom as an excuse to hold a singles mixer. Spread the word that there will be opportunities for other singletons to meet at the prom and perhaps pair off if a connection is made. There are likely many other boys and girls at the school who are attending the prom without a date, making prom night a perfect opportunity to meet someone new. Knowing there will be a new group of friends to meet once they arrive could motivate students to attend. • Take a friend. Provided the school doesn’t have strict rules about prom “couples,” bring whatever friend you want to be your prom “date.” You are likely to feel much more comfortable with someone you know by your side hamming it up for photographs and making sure you don’t share all of your secret dance moves on the dance floor. • Sibling set-up. Sometimes a well-meaning brother or sister can suggest one of his or her friends to be a date for the prom. Older siblings who have already gone through the ritual of prom and understand the pressure of finding a date may alleviate those concerns by making a match for their teenaged relative. The date needn’t be a romantic one, but just a way to spend time together and pose for pictures. • Take to social media. Social media has enabled teens to expand their social circles regardless of geography. Ask a social media friend who might live outside of your school district to be your date for the prom. This can be a great way to grow your friendship and have a fun night together. Casey’s Classic Cuts LLC Full Service Family Salon 44 Waterbury Road • Rt. 69 • Prospect, CT 06712 203-758-3794 M 9-8, T 9-8, W 9-3, Th 12-8, F 9-6, S 7-1 Call Today to Schedule Your PROM UPDO ★ PROM SPECIALS ★ ★ PROM SPECIALS ★ Tanning... LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREAT! “TANNING AT ITS BEST” 203-527-5559 50 WATERBURY ROAD, RT. 69, CROSSPOINT NORTH PLAZA, PROSPECT TANNING & HAIR SALON, LLC TANNING TANNING 3 Months of Unlimited Tanning $ 79 plus tax Spray Tan with Student ID $ 25 plus tax HAIR HAIR Mention this ad for $ 10 Off on Any Up Do Level 3 - $45 UNLIMITED Maxim A Salon, LLC A FULL SERVICE UNISEX SALON Hair | Tanning | Manicures | Waxing 26 Church St., Naugatuck • 203.723.1910 Christine Rodriques • 30 Years Experience Tanning Special... NOT ONLY FOR PROM, BUT FOR EVERYONE! /MO. + TAX Level 4 - $55 UNLIMITED /MO. + TAX Turbo Bed (REG. $99) NEW BULBS! Up-Dos - $50 Makeup & Up-Dos - $75 We ’re Certified in Sunless Tan & Mobile for Parties of 5 or more! *If you sign up for a year of tanning you will get the special monthly pricing. WE SPEAK FRENCH AND PORTUGUESE Maxim-A-Salon-llc Rose Nails Expert, Experienced, Courteous Service • Full Leg • All Waxing Services BRIDAL PARTY & GIRLS NIGHT OUT 628 New Haven Rd., Salem Square, Naugatuck 203-729-3306 OPEN 6 DAYS • Mon.-Fri. 9:30-7; Sat. 9-6 FREE* Hot Stone • Neck & Upper Back Massage *with service purchase PROM SPECIAL Two Finger Design A Unique Nail Service CONVENIENTLY LOCATED OFF RT. 8 DRY CLEANING & FORMAL WEAR Established in 1950 Dress up with Dress up with DeCarlo’s DeCarlo’s because... your because... your image is a image is a reflection of us! reflection of us! Renting 100’s of Suits & Tuxedos Elite Outlet for 535 So. Main Street, Naugatuck 203.729.7616 • 203.720.1TUX (889) Since 2008 Friday, April 5, 2013 MYCITIZENSNEWS.COM 15