With prom season comes the topic of promposal. The poster is bigger than the person holding it, with some type of fancy way of asking, “Will You Go To Prom With Me?” There are balloons, flowers, and maybe a large crowd filming the whole thing. This creates pressure on both the person asking and receiving. People shout, “Say Yes- Say Yes!” This creates so much pressure on a person, and what is supposed to be a simple question turns into a public performance.

For many high school students, promposals have shifted from sweet gestures into high-pressure events that feel more stressful than special.

Another issue is the lack of privacy. Many proposals take place in front of large groups, such as in cafeterias, classrooms, sports games, or outside of school, and this puts pressure on the person who is receiving the proposal. In these situations, saying “no” can feel far-fetched without embarrassment or guilt. This removes the freedom to make a genuine decision and replaces it with pressure to respond in a certain way just to avoid awkwardness or judgment.

Additionally, promposals can amplify social comparison. Students may compare their experiences to others and feel like theirs is not “good enough.” If someone doesn’t get asked in a big way, or at all, it can affect their self-esteem. Instead of prom being an inclusive and enjoyable experience, promposals can highlight social divides and make some students feel left out.

“I get it’s kind of fun and exciting and has that element of it. But ultimately, I think it’s a whole extra layer of stress and anxiety that maybe makes prom more anxious,” said senior English teacher Angela Logan.

She also added that the traditional way of asking for the prom is less stressful than proposing in a big way.

But many students feel that promposals today can be fun because they turn a simple question into a memorable experience. Instead of just asking “Will you go to prom with me?” People get creative with posters, inside jokes, or themed ideas that reflect the other person’s personality. For many students, it becomes something they can look back on later, take pictures of, and share with friends. That added creativity and effort can make the whole prom experience feel more meaningful from the very beginning.

Many students definitely feel this is the best way to connect with other people.

“I think I’d be a little bit both stressful and fun. If you don’t know a person, it could definitely be stressful, but if you’re talking to them, or like you’re dating them, it’s definitely more fun than just normal promposals,” said Senior James Saulnier.

At the same time, promposals can be seen as more effective because they show genuine effort and care. When someone plans something thoughtful, it signals that they value the person they’re asking and are willing to go the extra mile for them. This effort can make the person being asked feel appreciated and special, which often leads to a more positive response. 

Overall, promposals aren’t just about asking someone to prom-they’re a way of expressing interest, respect, and intention in a more memorable and meaningful way.

English teacher Angela Logan also said that back in the day, it was like a date-date where a boy goes with a girl, but “I am very glad that a piece of stress is removed in this time period. So I think it is an awesome change, like friends going together, cause that was not the norm 20-30 years ago.”

“I think it’s more about watching the person’s reaction when being asked for prom. I think it’s one of the most memorable feelings,”  said senior Jurgen Shuhaipi.