https://www.themsj.com/home/index.cfm?ev ... b18d1a0c82MBA Prom -- Classy and cool or a return to high school?I recently interacted with some non-MBAs and tried to explain the dating world, characteristic of Ross: "We're a close-knit group, so we don't want to reveal our relationships too soon… there's a lot of secret dating at first." Then I found myself gossiping about the secret dating to another MBA: "Yeah, did you see X and Y grinding on the dance floor after wine club? And I heard W and Z were getting it on." The non-MBA looked at me and shook his head, "Wow, sounds like high school again."
I was surprised at myself. What was it about the MBA program that made me act like I was in high school again? I know that b-school relationships are complex, influenced by the taboos we've carried from the working world and Ross's own rumor mill. But haven't we gotten past the high school insecurities of worrying what people think? Evidently not! I have two words for you - MBA prom. What could be more classic high school?
I remember my own high school prom experience. The bad date, the bad dancing, the limo, the corsage, the decorations… How cliché! Was the MBA prom going to be any different? Have we really regressed back to high school, or have we made progress since then? I reflected on the two proms and decided to engage in a thorough comparative analysis.
Regressing: Pre-prom primping
For the ladies, preparing for the prom is an all-day event. We have to buy a new dress, get our hair and makeup done, and get manicures and pedicures. We also have to shave our legs above the knee if we think we're going to get lucky. Guys jump in the shower, put on a tux, and are ready in 10 minutes. Yes, life's not fair, but this never changes.
Progressing: Flying solo
In high school, everyone had a date for prom. You found a date even if you had to go with your cousin (or possibly you chose this if you're from the Appalachian region). At MBA prom, it was socially acceptable to go stag. Not everyone understood this, however. When I told my mother that I did not have a date, she was ready to be sympathetic: "Oh, honey, I'm so sorry." No, Mom, I am not pathetic - just in business school.
Regressing: Hooking up (or lack thereof)
I had high expectations for the night of the MBA prom, but I was very disappointed in the lack of new hookups at the event. Even if I didn't get lucky, I was hoping for some juicy gossip! Well, maybe Spytek caught some news that I did not. The main problem was that if I saw a new cute guy, it turned out to be someone's date. (By the way, I apologize to the blonde woman in the green dress - my only excuse is that your date was "acting" very single.) This somehow reminded me of my high school prom where the only action I got was dancing with my date, arms-length apart.
Progressing: Alcohol
Wow, I wish we had a bar at my high school prom! It would have made my date cuter and that night a whole lot more interesting. Of course, many people probably consumed as much alcohol at MBA prom as they did in high school. Most impressive this weekend was those who pre-drank beforehand and ended up with chocolate fountain all over their tuxes.
MBA Prom turned out to be a fantastic event - I loved the new venue! It was a great night and it was fun to get dressed up again. Maybe it is okay to act like we're in high school again - as long as it's only for one night.
Ami Horne is not a sex expert, just a pornography connoisseur. She wants to hear from you. Email her your stories at
amihorne@gmail.com.