Well, ladies and gentlemen, once again we find ourselves in the midst of homecoming season: dresses, parties and the much-too-anticipated homecoming proposals. As you may or may not know, these proclamations of love are not all they’re cracked up to be.

First of all, let’s all take it down a few notches and look at this night realistically. Homecoming is just a high school dance that occurs four times in your high school career. Homecoming proposals are blown completely out of proportion. You’re asking a date to spend a few hours with you at a dance, not the rest of your life. Most homecoming proposals are more extravagant than marriage proposals. If you haven’t realized it yet, that’s insane. If you’re asking a friend, or especially your girlfriend/boyfriend, just ask! Maybe a card or a flower would be nice, but they’re not going to say no. So everyone take a deep breath, put down the cameras and simply ask.

Not to mention the cost of these homecoming proposals. A poster and a few markers isn’t too much out of pocket, but most of these proposals come with expensive gifts. I’ve seen everything from food, jewelry, event tickets, pets and more. For boys, who are expected to pay for tickets and dinner, these homecoming expenses begin to add up.  Everyone knows high schoolers don’t have much money, so why waste the little you have? Homecoming is meant to be a fun time with friends. If you need to spend money for your date to accept your proposal, you’re probably asking the wrong person.

Don’t get me wrong, the effort is certainly appreciated. Your extravagant proposals are seen as sweet and heartfelt. However, they are quite unnecessary. Whoever you’re asking would be just as pleased with a simple, “will you go to homecoming with me?”

Now listen girls (or guys), do not put pressure on people to be creative with homecoming proposals. They are pointless and quite a waste. Say it with me, “I do not need a homecoming proposal.”

I’m sure this time next year the student body will come to our senses and abandon the ridiculous practice of homecoming proposals.