Prom is only a month away, and the question appears: “Do I need a date?” To some, it may seem necessary to bring a date, while others would rather go out with friends, but I believe you shouldn’t have to bring a date to the dance to have fun.

In a poll conducted by The Bell, 90.6% of people said no to bringing a date to prom, while only 9.4% of people said yes to bringing a date. Having a date is wonderful, receiving undivided attention, and enjoying a “warm, fuzzy” confidence boost or fun novelty like trying a new restaurant.

Prom should be about making memories with friends who have been by your side since the start of the year. If you’re getting a date just to take to prom, there is no connection. It’s awkward to get with someone just for one night, and for some groups, it’s frowned upon not to have a date, and it may be the make-or-break of the group.

“Prom can be the best time to connect with friends and have a good time with people you aren’t dating but still close to. It’s certainly not a requirement to have a date to prom,” junior Wallis Love said.

Go to prom with friends, and make memories together that you can think of after graduation.