The aromas filter in as waves. Bouquets atop of bouquets of fresh flowers captivate the confined hallways of MCHS. For a fraction of students, spirits illuminate at an all-time high as they equip themselves, alongside their significant other, for the wonderland commonly known as Homecoming.

As for those who endure the acceptance of datelessness, their impressions on debuting at the dance at all evolve into doubts. Whether grasping the role of riding solo or accompanied by a date, the decision does not need to be determined by the absence of that special someone.

“[Girls crave the presence of a date] because they feel like they have somebody that they’re getting ready for and have somebody to impress, [as well as] knowing that they won’t be by themselves on the dance floor. When girls don’t have a date, they feel like they aren’t good enough for anybody, which is totally wrong. Yet, to handle not having a date, try and go with a group of girls/friends that are missing dates, too,” Maddy Engler, junior, said.

Having a date has always been the social norm. For this reason, not having a date is the last resort, or worse, not an option, to an abundance of teenage girls.

“Some girls might feel like having a date determines whether or not they go to Homecoming because they think a date is some kind of requirement to go. Of course additional reasons like having a person to take pictures with as well as dance with play a role in girls’ minds as well,” Monica Delgado, junior, said.

Aside from the traditional picture, a select few are able to unearth the positives in a night usually revolved around the basis of a couple.

“Girls need to embrace the fact that we don’t always have a boy outside to bring us happiness, and we have to supply that ourselves. Girls should never not go to a dance because they don’t have a date! Have a great time by yourself. You don’t need a boy to make you feel confident or make your night great,” Jillian Russell, junior, said.

Surprisingly, dates aren’t always the top go-to option.

“I definitely don’t see it as a bad thing at all going to Homecoming alone. In my own experience, going with a group of friends turned out to be more enjoyable than going with a date,” Delgado said.

Taking on Homecoming alone is not viewed as a defeat, it is seen as more of a freedom to experience the dance from a refreshing, stress-free perspective.