What I Wish I Knew: 14 Tips For Homecoming

It’s the most wonderful* time of the year! The leaves are turning colors, the air feels crisp, and everyone is freaking out about Homecoming. There’s so much to do!  The football games, pep rallies, and voting for court (so many decisions!) can just weigh on you during this season. Wait, we forgot the most important part: The Homecoming DANCE. (JK. That was just for dramatic effect.)

*stressful

How are you going to find a date, a dress/fancy tie, a ride, and flowers in time for the dance? Better yet, what do you actually do at the dance? What happens if everyone around you is grinding, and you’re the only one who wants to “save room for Jesus”? The best thing to do is to remember that Homecoming really isn’t that big of a deal. All the cool kids dance like there’s nobody watching anyway. If you’re still worried, then here are some awesome tips from some real people on how to make the best of your Homecoming experience.

1. Don’t worry if you don’t get a date…

Not having a guy ask you isn’t the end of the world – Jessica, age 17

2. …Because friends are more fun

It probably would’ve been way more fun and way less awkward if I had just gone with my friends instead of bringing a date. – Paul, age 52

3. Like, for real

The best part of the whole night is dancing like a fool with your closest friends. It was more fun going with them than with a date. – Jacob, age 19

4. Semper ubi sub ubi

Remember to wear an undershirt. Pit stains are not cool. – Ian 17

5. Also, footwear is important

Wearing comfortable shoes is a must. – Eileen age 29

6. But don’t stress out too much about attire…

It doesn’t matter how expensive your dress is…no one will remember it in two years anyway. – Aneliesa, age 20

7. …Unless it might cause injury

Wearing 5 inch heels when you’re a freshman in high school (thinking they made you look powerful), and having never worn heels before, is a recipe for a sprained ankle. -Michaela, 17

8. Who knew that there are so many life-threatening wardrobe choices?

Don’t wear sunglasses inside. It doesn’t look cute, and it’s dangerous. – Kristina, age 28

9. If you forget the “minor details,” the night might not even happen

Figuring out rides beforehand is helpful – Marty, age 18

10. Preparation is actually pretty key

Don’t eat a ton of pasta right before hitting the dance floor. -Rachael, age 19

11. Be smarter than this “smooth operator”

It isn’t a good idea to break up with your girlfriend while waiting in line for the coat check… at the start of the night. – Andrew, age 26

12. Dump the dirty dancer

If a guy only likes you if you dance a certain way, he isn’t worth it. – Lauren, age 23

13. It’s also okay to NOT go to Homecoming

If you have something else going on the night of homecoming and don’t know which event to attend, it’s okay to not go to homecoming. You can always have your own dance party at home with friends. – Rebecca, 18

14. Gain some perspective

It’s okay if this night wasn’t ‘the time of your life’, you won’t be marrying this person….the best is yet to come! – Lisa, age 50

Thanks to the REAP team for providing these superb responses! It’s awesome to see some really cool Catholic teens and adults succeeding in the real world, and that includes Homecoming. These pieces of advice remind us, as Christians, that we were made for something much more than Homecoming. We do not need to get caught up in the hype, because Christ is calling us to love. We don’t really think about it, but we can share Christ’s love at Homecoming by being confident in who we are and treating Homecoming the way it should be treated. It’s just a dance. Stop freaking out.