What could be more exciting than the prom?

It's the big event of the year. Prom Night is a chance for you and your friends to make special plans and go all out, spending a ton of money in hopes of having an awesome time. But lurking just below the surface are some serious dangers.

Most of these dangers take place after midnight. You're tired, and your guard is down, and temptation is at an all-time high. It's easier at these vulnerable times to do things you'll regret later.

Unrealistic Expectations

Some think they own their date for prom night because they've spent a ton of money on clothes, food, limo, etc. Along with this can come a certain expectation of receiving a certain amount of physical attention because of it. You don't have to be this kind of girl or guy.

Talk about your expectations for the night with your date so that you are both on the same page.

Also, some girls have expectations that the prom will be the most romantic, fairytale night ever which easily makes her more open to compromising her values. It also sets her up for greater disappointment when the night ends up being far from the dream she imagined. This can lead to a broken heart and scars that could last a lifetime. It also can set up the guy to be a failure in her eyes.

No guy can ever be the Prince Charming that she has fabricated in her mind.

Alcohol and Drugs

Prom nights throughout history are filled with stories of people who drank too much, got in a car, and never made it home. Others have died because they didn't realize how much they were drinking and ended up with alcohol poisoning. Your best bet is to avoid it all together on prom night.

Also, you cannot take drugs or drink alcohol and drive, or even ride in a car driven by someone who has. It's illegal and extremely dangerous.

Kayley wrote, "My best friend died in a car crash on prom night. She hadn't been drinking, but the person driving had. They just went off the road."

Also, when you drink, you are setting yourself up to make a complete fool of yourself.

Sex

Chances are you are going to be around people who are drinking, and probably too much. These are the kind of people who are going to be more aggressive about doing things sexually that they normally wouldn't do. Dawn said: Most of my friends lost their virginity at the prom....one of them ended up with an STD. Be smart, ladies, make sure you understand the consequences. That same person ended up pregnant and gave the STD to her baby during birth. (Read my blog about STDs)

What Can Make Prom Night a Good Experience?

1. Talk beforehand about what's going to happen

Talking about expectations for the night with your date, so you are both on the same page, will make a good and memorable night. After you talk about this, it will be easier to not let anyone pressure you into going someplace, or doing anything you don't want to do. Another way to keep your date's expectations in check is to offer to pay for your part of the event half of the ticket price, your portion of the limo, after-party expenses, etc.

2. Make the prom a FRIEND event

Some people find the prom to be more fun if they go with a group of friends, rather than making it a serious, overly romantic event filled with expectations. After the dance is over, don't just go and hang around at someone's house. This setting is ripe for drinking, drugs, and sex. Think up some group activities you will all enjoy.

David wrote: For my prom, I went with a whole group of people from my youth group, guys and girls. We wanted to have a good time, but without all the pressures of wondering if we're gonna hook up with someone or not. It was just good, pure fun. And when no one is drinking, it makes it so much easier, too.

3. Stay sober

Staying sober will help you to remember the fun you had that night. What could be worse than getting so drunk you can't even remember what you did or didn't do. Your date will be grateful you're not spending half the night barfing. What could be worse than getting so drunk you can't even remember what you did or didn't do?

4. Make a pact

Your parents or another adult can be helpful for you as someone you can call to come pick you up if things get dangerous or uncomfortable. Then you're guaranteed to never be trapped somewhere you don't want to be. They are available to come pick you up with the promise they won't make a scene in front of your friends.

Paul wrote: I used to think that my parents didn't trust me and that's why they wanted me to keep checking in with them. Then I realized they actually could help me if I needed it.

Make every effort to keep the night safe, and free from dangers lurking just under the surface.

Prom should be one of the most memorable nights of your high school career. Your goal should be, I'm going to the prom to have a good time, but not be haunted with many regrets. Make every effort to keep the night safe, and free from dangers lurking just under the surface.

Here are some additional tips for how to party safely.