In case you haven’t been outside at all this past month, I’m here to inform you that love is quite literally in the air…and in your food and flying in your face. By love, I mean lovebugs, but it seems that that’s not the only type of love I’ve been unable to escape this month.

As a senior, I’m often reminded that I’m living “my last firsts”, and August’s Back to School Bash was no exception. I was feeling extremely nostalgic when I witnessed multiple tears shed by a precious eighth grader in the semi private stall of the freezing cold bathroom in the front of the gym.

Tears and dances have unfortunately gone hand in hand for me as long as I can remember. Whether it was wiping the tears of my best friend, or sobbing till the point of gasping for air, I’ve been there. I’m here to help put a stop to dumb boys making great girls cry their mascara off every time a slow song comes on. Now, I can’t really say I’ve learned that much during my high school career, but I have learned that no boy is worth my tears. Trust me, this lesson has not come easily. It is through tons of trial and error that I tentatively try to provide some insight on how to make these dances a bit better. Although, I’m typically the one who is exhausted 10 minutes into the dance because my nighttime routine resembles that of my grandma, so take this advice with a grain of salt.

Take Pictures

No matter how lame the set up or how many teachers are watching, I highly suggest just taking the cheesy photo that you “promised” (your fingers crossed behind your back) your parents you would. If it weren’t for those pictures I wouldn’t have photographic evidence of my date and I wearing matching clown noses at our first dance nor would I be able to reminisce my 8th grade squad and I dressed from different decades.

Don’t be ashamed to cry

In sixth grade, my softball team nicknamed me “iron man” because no matter how many times I got pelted with the softball, I got up and walked to first base. Although my nickname contradicts this, we are not made of steel, but we can and will wipe our tears and get back up again. It can be humiliating to shed a few tears, but it shouldn’t be and I can promise you there will always be a kind soul to wipe your tears.

It’s not the end of the world if you aren’t dancing for a slow song

Man, I can remember the days when I’d rush to the dance floor the minute I heard the beginning of Hunter Hayes’ “Wanted” or “Big Green Tractor”. Arguably, there is nothing more awkward than standing hesitantly making slight eye contact with your crush just to watch him dance with someone else, but don’t fret, the best slow songs are spent swaying and singing with your best friends.

Don’t focus so much on who you’re going with

I’ve been asked to dances by guys I’d crushed on since middle school and  I’ve gone to dances with my awkward lab partner who proceeded to serenade me with Adele’s  “Someone Like You” when we were dancing and I can honestly say that while very different, both experiences were unforgettable and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Don’t be afraid to ask the guy you want

Every spring, there’s a Sadie Hawkins dance where it is our duty to pick out of the small pool of men who shall take us to the dance. Now, by no means am I against girls asking guys to any dance, but this is your excuse people! So take a chance! Who knows, it may just turn into a two year relationship… but that’s a story for a different day.

Don’t compare yourself to other girls

Gosh ladies, this is a big one. It’s so easy to see another girl dressed to the nines and immediately forget about the stunning frock that you spent hours online shopping for in Coach McCullough’s history class. As cliche as it sounds, another girls beauty doesn’t take away from the beauty inside of you.