I remember the first time I went to prom. I was sixteen--a sophomore--and my boyfriend was an 18-year old senior. My parents knew my date and our group of friends very well, so they were happy to oblige my request to attend prom with him. Everyone else in the group was eighteen, so I felt quite pressured to appear mature and composed.
There was going to be an after party at someone's house and everyone was staying overnight there. My parents thought it wasn't a good idea for me to attend the party where no parents would be in attendance. Of course, I initially threw a tantrum and said I hated them blah blah blah. But if you're in this situation, take an afternoon to really think about what you're asking your parents to do by letting you go. That's what I did, and the day after my tantrum I realized that my parents just really, really liked me. More than herbal tea and Scrabble even.
So I proposed this: what if I go to the party with everyone else for a few hours, and then come home with my boyfriend to spend the night there? That way, my parents could be in the house with us and keep an ear out for the sound of condoms snapping, but we'd still have some freedom. They were pleased with my maturity and accepted my proposal. And guess what? The big party was insanely boring. I had a great time at home with my man, watching movies, eating popcorn...and yes, kissing furiously.
