Prom Prep: Boys vs. Girls

In a previous life, we worked in a boarding school.  When we lived in the girls' dorm, prom prep started at 8 am.  There were hair appointments, nail appointments, and makeup appointments.  Those who didn't seek professional preparation were sitting in my kitchen, helping each other do makeup and nails, curling each others' hair, and asking me to help out.  We had a tray of fruit and cheese, and the girls really did take the entire day to get ready.

Fast forward to living in a boys' dorm.

A few days before, we had asked the boys if they wanted to do anything on prom afternoon.  Did they need help getting things?  Doing errands?  Did they want snacks?

They looked at us like we were nuts.

Then one kid suggested "Cheeseburgers."  

So the afternoon of prom, we held a cookout for the boys in the dorm--- hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, dessert, soda... we had it all.

It started with whiffleball.  Then it turned into touch football.  Soon it was tackle football and wrestling matches rolling down the sledding hill in front of our dorm.

I was watching the clock.  4..... 4:30.... 5:00.... sure enough, they'd need to start getting ready, right?

At about 5:35, one of them said, "Dude, what time is it?"  The other looked at his phone and told him. Then, the one with the time asked, "What time are you supposed to meet her?" 

"5:45," he replied.

She's going to be pissed, I thought.  There's no way he'll be ready.  

At 5:44, he emerged from the dorm, freshly showered, hair done, tux on, and smelling clean.

Today, my oldest son goes to his first prom.  Here in town, we call it Cotillion, a fancy name for a dance held at the local ice cream stand.

My son's date has a hair appointment at 11:00.  She's getting her makeup done.  She'll be sitting around the house, trying not to mess up her look.  She'll be stressed all day long.  She will put so much work into getting ready and looking good.  

My son?  He's getting his hair cut today.  He'll probably mow the lawn or pull some weeds.  We'll take the dog for a hike.  I'll probably make him do some homework and clean his room.  He might get a cheeseburger for lunch if he's a good help.   He'll probably overdose on video games on his phone.  

And about a half hour before meet-up time, he'll get into the shower.  

Hopefully, he emerges with brushed teeth and deodorant.