The time approaching homecoming brings out the best in everyone, right? Wrong. For many, homecoming invites an air of crippling anxiety as we try to find the perfect words to ask someone else to be our plus one. Though this act may seem like an easy feat to a select few, for the majority of the population it’s nothing short of climbing Everest. These tips will make a successful and stress free homecoming proposal feel more attainable.

 Plan it out. 

If you have a plan, you’re less likely to “chicken out” and more likely to follow through. While romantic gestures and big homecoming proposals are great, if you know your date wouldn’t be into that sort of thing, plan accordingly and ask them in a more private setting where there aren’t as many spectators and less pressure.

Time it right.

You probably don’t want to jump the gun and ask them during the first week of school, but it is good to know in advance if you’re going together. Maybe try asking them after the homecoming assembly before homecoming week kicks off. This way you’ll have ample time to plan, but won’t seem overeager.

Know what to say.

While you can certainly practice in front of a small audience if you want to, that’s probably not necessary.  Practice in front of the mirror and have a general idea of how you’re going to bring up the topic of homecoming. Then get straight to it to avoid having to deal with annoying small talk.

Have confidence.

You can do it. Often times, you are your own worst enemy. Don’t let the fear of rejection get in the way of success. If you tell yourself that you’re capable of doing something like asking someone to a school dance, then you’ve already won half the battle.

Be yourself!

There’s nothing that screams confidence more than you just being you. There’s no need to be feel like you have to be someone you’re not: If your potential date can’t appreciate you for you when you ask them, then you shouldn’t be going with them anyway.