An opinion by Hannah Glines
Homecoming is a stressful time of year. To start, the common cold and or flu hits like a bat to the head due to all the other germy-bodies we must be around once school starts. But what I’ve noticed is that another sickness develops around this time of year that comes around and sets many emotions on high alert. All around school one can see flowers falling out of lockers, signs with “HOMECOMING ?” on them, and painted cars.
Now why is it may you ask, that for such a seemingly happy high school ritual can turn into an infestation of sorrow, guilt, and revenge? Well to start off I’d like to diagnose our school with a bad case of Drama Queen (although it is called Queen all genders are at risk) Syndrome referred to as DQS.
Let’s get some things straight and maybe dig up some things from kindergarten that may cure this awfulness. A good dose of the Golden Rule is essential… No.1 if someone asks you to a dance and you don’t want to go with him or her, then don’t. How would you feel if you asked someone to a dance and he or she said yes but he or she didn’t really want to go… you get the picture. Just don’t do it!
Because if you do say yes, then you’re going to feel guilty. This kind of guilt will burrow a nice-sized hole in your gut and while you may fit better in your dress, I promise it’s not going to put you in a dancing mood. This also goes for No. 2, those crazy cases that just say yes to his or her exes’ friend in some way of revenge. I’d like to see if these people were dropped as children and have had serious trauma from it to stoop so low but, I simply don’t have the patience to find out.
Now No. 3, asking someone out can be extremely uncomfortable; much like how people feel about needles. Many people are afraid to give themselves shots, but in a life or death situation it really is the only thing that could save you. Same goes for just bucking up and asking someone. Stop waiting and just take the plunge! I can guarantee it will not kill you.
The nasty side-affect of being dateless on Homecoming though leads to watching a sappy romantic comedy while asking yourself “why can’t life be like the movies?” and crying into the empty Ben & Jerry’s tub of ice cream you just destroyed quite unattractively. I cannot stress how much I’d like to see people avoid this bit because while I might not be psychic, I’m afraid a life filled with cats is in your future.
Some ways of avoiding DQS is if one just remains honest about his or hers’ feelings and his or hers’ partners’. Make sure the “friends” labels are all on as prescribed so no one is misdiagnosed. And for those in a relationship, just leave the stitches that bind you two together alone otherwise I promise there is going to be a nasty mess. If you absolutely cannot find a date because of some reoccurring dysfunction then by all means band together with the other dysfunctions! I’ve also seen guys talking about taking a blow-up doll that goes by the name of Margret as a date… well boys the only advice I can give you is don’t get too close to her with your boutineer pins poking outward. That will be the quick end to a dance for you and the end of poor Margret with no revival in sight.
As serious as DQS affects can be, I do not believe it is chronic for most, so we can all be relieved to know that the high tempered fevers will pass… at least until the next dance.