The end of the year is quickly approaching and for seniors, that means there is limited time to snag a date to the most anticipated dance of their high school careers: prom. From girls asking guys to guys asking girls to old friends reconnecting and set-ups being made, one thing can be said about searching for the perfect escort to prom: it is a jungle.

There are the lucky ones who are already in a relationship, but this article is referring to the single guys and gals who are searching high and low for “the perfect date.” If you find yourself in this position, there is hope yet to find someone who is good enough to take to a high school prom.

1. Lower your standards.

Sometimes people get too caught up in the hunt for Mr./Mrs. Right that they forget that everybody has flaws. Nobody is perfect in looks and personality and accomplishments, so it is time to stop being so gosh dang picky. Once all the expectations melt away, the hunt will become clearer and more and more people will make themselves available.

So, next time the old guy from Kroger comes up with a toothless smile and excessive balding, don’t run away from him. Instead, ask some meaningful questions like “How do you look in blue?” or “Can you pass for 21?” It may just be that these strangers will turn out to be the perfect date.

2. To reap the benefits, you have to plant the seeds.

You cannot sit idly by and expect someone to ask you to prom. Take the opportunity to plant little “seeds” of interest in your classmates that will hopefully lead to something bigger.

Things such as dropping a pencil in front of your crush “accidentally” and waiting for them to pick it up will surely be a romantic way to get them to notice you exist. After that, you can pick up the pace and start asking them low-key questions about prom during your classes that will make them curious, but have no idea what your true intentions are, such as “What are you doing on May 5th?” or “I love you. Will you go to prom with me?”

3. Branch out.

Ask that friend from second hour if they know a friend who knows a friend who knows a friend who divorced a friend who gave birth to a friend who is also a senior in high school and available. It may just be that there is nobody in your five classes who is worthy enough and you need to hunt further than your own territory. That is perfectly fine.

4. If worse comes to absolute worse, go alone.

This is saved as a last resort because nothing, nothing, is more embarrassing than going with yourself to prom. Who wants to be the person that goes to a school dance with only their friends? It is embarrassing to be that independent and content with having a nice fancy night out without any significant others around.

5. Have fun!

This is the most important step. Prom dating may cause a lot of emotional and physical stress when people run after their crushes for the last time before high school ends and college presents itself. But no matter how much PTSD you have once it is finished, remember that this is the best year of your life and it only goes downhill. So have a great time.
And just remember, prom ticket sales end mid-April, so time is dwindling to follow these instructions and snag a date to the most anticipated dance of the year. Oh, and don’t forget to relax when it is all said and done. After all this, it is deserved.