DEAR ABBY: I am a senior in high school and would like to ask a girl to the senior prom. She is a junior, and wouldn't normally be able to go. The problem is, the prom is very expensive and I have no source of income. I have been saving from my small allowance for months, but have only managed to scrape together about $150. Tickets to the dance are $95, and by the time I rent a tux I'll be broke, if not in debt. My parents will not help me out. (Even if they offered, I don't think they could afford it.)
How can I ask her to go with me when I can't afford it? Please don't suggest that we do "free" things over the weekend, because the group of friends we want to go with have already made big plans -- expensive plans. If I could somehow tell her that we need to go dutch, that would make things more affordable.
I really don't want to ask her on the stipulation that we are to go as "just friends," because I think of her as more than that. Please help me, Abby. What should I do? -- PENNILESS FOR THE PROM
DEAR PENNILESS: It is unfortunate that what was once a carefree rite of passage that almost everyone could enjoy has become such an elaborate ritual that it is now beyond the means of many.
However, since that is the reality of the '90s, talk to the young lady and tell her exactly what you have told me. It's possible that she won't mind going dutch, and might even volunteer.
Readers, if you have found yourself in a similar situation and would like to tell me how you resolved it, I would appreciate your input.