Why You Don't Need A Date To Have Fun At Homecoming!

Seventeen dating blogger Isabelle explains why you can stop stressing about finding a date to the school dance!

With three little brothers (two in high school), I sometimes get an insider's perspective on what boys think (or don't think) about. The current topic getting some thought in my house: homecoming dates.

My brother is a senior and thinking about bailing on homecoming this year. I keep encouraging him to ask someone, but I don't think he wants to go through the effort/potential awkwardness. When I was in high school, I would definitely have wanted to go with a guy and get the stereotypical pictures, corsages, and the whole nine yards. Now, though, I think that going to homecoming/prom/semiformals with friends can be just as fun (if not more fun!) than going with a crush.

Since I almost always had a boyfriend in high school, I never really had to worry about finding a date or wondering if and when someone would ask me, but I remember some of my friends getting really stressed out about it. There's so much pressure to be asked by someone! But honestly, having a date isn't all it's cracked up to be, and you don't need to wait for someone to ask you to go and have a good time.

Last weekend, my roommate and I went to a date function by ourselves—and it was so much fun! We got ready together beforehand and then spent most of the party dancing with each other. So, maybe we were a little anti-social this time, but it was great not to have the burden of making small talk or flirting. It can be hard to be silly and just relax if you go with someone you don't know very well or you're crushing on. That's why going stag can be a good idea!

I know that as homecoming time approaches, there are going to be lot's of girls and guys who are wondering whether they should ask someone to go. Here's my advice: if you have a girlfriend or boyfriend, obviously go with your significant other and enjoy it! If you're somewhere in the middle, gauge the situation, but don't let an indecisive guy (or girl) stress you out. If a guy you're interested in doesn't want to make the effort to ask you, then that's probably not a good sign.

Dances and date events aren't the most important thing in the world (even if they seem like it at the time), but they can be really fun and a huge part of your high school or college experience (regardless of who is your "date")! I'm letting my little brother off the hook this time, but I'm going to make him go to prom. Don't miss out on what could be one of the most memorable nights just because your crush doesn't ask you!

What do you think? Are you going to the dance with a date or alone? Let me know in the comments!