The excitement of prom is nothing new, and neither are the expectations that people “have to” uphold. While prom is the night most girls dream of, living up to the standards is nearly impossible. People spend hundreds of dollars on a dress for one night, spending weeks trying to find the perfect one for a perfect night. The reality is that not everyone has the means to splurge on a dress that they’re most likely going to wear once.

Prom is meant to be a fun dance that students deserve to enjoy. However, it tends to put pressure on girls to be perfect and have a perfect night. Prom is exalted as the idea of a “once in a lifetime experience” which forces everyone to conform and mold themselves to fit into the world of prom. Girls feel the need to go above and beyond to fulfill the expectations prom demands. Many girls will compare themselves to their peers and feed into the insecurities that come with comparing themselves to others. With the unrealistic expectations of prom, the night may only lead to disappointment if it’s not everything everyone wants it to be.