“Just a little heads up, I am currently available to be someone’s date to homecoming, so if anyone would like to ask me that would be great,” senior Megan Perez announced on Twitter. “I already have a dress bought; I just need a date,” she said. The senior is willing to seek the help of her friends and social media to find her missing date.

What lengths will girls go to in order to get a date? “Girls will definitely start zoning in on a guy and start flirting more when they realize they don’t have a date yet” Perez said. Subtle hints that may not be so subtle seem to be the preferred method. Junior Erica Whipple said, “If I really wanted a date, I would probably just text him and drop a few hints.” The classic “middle school” way is to ask your friends to ask his friends if he’s interested in taking you to the dance. Simply ask your friend to tell him you’re interested. If you’re slightly more brave, get your bestie to ask him directly. Sure, it’s a little awkward for the middle-woman, but it’s effective.

Senior Fallan Lee said, “I don’t really care if I have a date, but if I did want one, I would talk to his friend and have him hint at it for me.” If girls want to be noticed as a potential date, they might expand their social showing by turning up at games and school events they normally might not attend. “Girls who want to get a date usually put themselves out there and get really social,” Lee said.

Still striking out? Dates can be an essential part of the equation for some girls. Once the dress is picked out, the hair appointment is made, the eyebrows are waxed, and the shoes are sitting in their box, you can start to panic because you’re still missing that one thing you can’t order online. Senior Camerin Burtle said you don’t have to wait around for a guy; it’s okay to ask a date out yourself.

Can’t cough up the courage? “Don’t be worried if you don’t have a date; it’s just a dance,” senior Danielle Peartree said. “It’s easy to go with a group of friends. There is more freedom.” You are not alone if no one has asked you or if you are choosing to attend the dance solo. Lee is looking forward to going dateless. She said, “You can dance with whoever you want and you don’t have to worry about pictures or color coordinating.” Senior Josie Cox said, “I think that prom is a bigger deal and homecoming should be more about school spirit and fun. Don’t stress out if you don’t have a date you can have a good time either way.”

Hope you all have a great Homecoming! If all else fails I’m sure Nate Merz won’t mind if you tag along with him.