OCTOBER DAILY: A BLOGGING CHALLENGE #3-Share a high school memory that you will never forget~
Prom night is supposed to be a dream come true if you are a young girl. I think many girls fantasize about how wonderful and magical this night will be. Too many little girls watch the movie Cinderella and think that all big dances must be like the ball where she will end up dancing the night away with her prince charming.
I am here to say that although I did attend my senior prom and even did the obligatory after party staying out until dawn my night was anything magical or dreamy (more like a nightmare come true).
See I had been dating a guy off and on for over a year. Your typical high school dramatic type of relationship would totally describe ours.
We met through a mutual friend at believe it or not her Sweet 16 in early fall. Only, I was pining over someone else and he had it bad for me or so it seemed.
Months went by and it was not deep into the cold, chilly winter here. He asked me out again and I finally relented. This was the winter of my junior year. And so began our year or so of off and on again dating.
There were others for both of us in between, but as prom neared, I still hoped upon hope that we could go together. Very liberal and modern of me, I asked him. Well, he accepted and thus began weeks of dress shopping, making hair and nail appointments, finding a limo with friends, after-party plans including a comedy club in NYC and so much planning for one simple night. For the limos, we used Limo Find.
As the prom neared, a very good friend of mine was having troubles with her boyfriend and my very much on-again boyfriend thought he could be a shoulder to lean on for her.
At 36 years old, I could so see the handwriting on the wall and where this was going, but at 18 years old I was too naive and blind to want to admit what was right in front of my eyes.
The afternoon of the prom it was finally revealed to me that they had been messing around, but was told that they didn’t actually sleep together. To this day, I still don’t know and at this point I truly do not care.
Even still, we went to the prom together and from all the pictures we looked like the perfect couple, but in reality I was seething and he was a jerk all around, but still he had made the commitment and kept it. So, I give a bit of credit there I suppose.
By the way, that night (prom night) I danced the night away with friends and truly didn’t want to look him, let alone dance with him. Even the after party, I tried my best to just ignore him. Yet, he stuck it out.
After that night, my friendship with my very good friend pretty much ceased to exist and I told her that I honestly didn’t want to be friends with someone I couldn’t trust.
I also broke it off with my off and on again boyfriend. He tried to remain in my life even as a friend, but things were never the same for me. At one point a few years later, he even tried to get me to go back out with him, but again honesty is very important to me and I remembered him trying to kiss me and to be quite honest, I didn’t feel the same way I had once and just knew it would never work.
I told him this and that was that. We feel out of touch after that. I had heard he had a daughter with another woman, but never married her. They broke up and were raising the little girl apart.
But still this is just one high school memory that resides inside of me tucked away with so many other memories that I have made over the years. Trust me there were good times in this relationship (even though this is the most vivid to me to share), but in the end the bad outweighed them sadly.
However, I do feel that all that you experience shapes you to be a better person and as much as this hurt me way back when I must admit I had to go through this to get to where I am in my life. Plus, I am happy that I do go to my prom, because I think I would have always wondered what that experience was like, if I didn’t actually experience it (if that makes sense).
So I am thankful to have seen the good, the bad and the ugly, because as much as Kevin and I have had our ups and downs, I am still just so thankful that he is the one I did indeed end up with, especially after recalling this time in my life. Times like these do make you that much more appreciative of all the good in one’s life.
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kentuckygal50 says
Ohmigoodness, that would SUCK! So glad the lens of time has put that part of your life in perspective.
All of a sudden I'm reminded of my 10 year reunion, which was held in a ballroom at a local hotel. It was SO boring, with many of the popular kids from school realizing that maybe they weren't going to rule the world after all, so recalling their glory days. So I took myself up out of there, and went to see Ghostbusters II at the mall next door! *lol*
My recent post #31 Days – Vegetables and High School Memories
Janine Huldie says
I am with you and Ghostbusters II would probably be way more exciting then hanging out with people from high school that I haven't seen in almost 20 years time!! 🙂
massholemommy says
Oh man – what a disaster. It's funny how you see things clearer once you get older. I never went to my prom…..sigh. I still regret it to this day.
Janine Huldie says
Robin, I know true disaster from the word go, but like I said I am happy I went now, because I think like you said you feel, I would have always wondered.
LisaAndAshley says
UGH. That is the worst! I am so sorry you got so burned by your crappy boyfriend and your totally anti-good girlfriend friend. My boyfriend my senior year was in college, and he had finals during prom, so I didn't go. Probably for the best. We broke up shortly after that.-Ashley
My recent post You Never Know Unless You Try
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Ashley. This was a true turning point for me though and will admit it took this act to make me realize he really wasn't the right person for me and for that I am truly thankful, because I could have kept going back for more and never looked for better for myself. So, I guess in hindsight it was truly best that this did happen.
Mary Belle says
You would totally regret it if you didnt go to prom! 🙂 It's sad what happened between him and her but I'm glad you did indeed end up with the man of your dreams Janine! <3
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Mary and you are right I know I would have had regrets if I didn't go to prom, because as much as it is just one night, it is still a night that most woman grow up dreaming about and at least I do have some memories of it. Granted some weren't so good, but so much good came out of it in the end, so for that I am grateful!! 🙂
@wakefielddoc says
yow! (I can say that 'cause I did not go to my prom …asked or otherwise)…but the insight into yourself comes through (it's a shame that we can't go back and give ourselves some hints and pointers… then again, as I see that 'in print' I doubt very much if I would have listened to me…)
My recent post “hey! I was supposed to be working, but I came across someone reading this Post” the Wakefield Doctrine ? now what?
Janine Huldie says
Clark, if I knew then, what I know now, seriously how things would have been so different. But as it is, I am just so thankful that I learned my lesson and thta my life for the most part is so much better then I ever could have imagined it to be 🙂
Cyndi says
Well…I'm glad you got rid of that guy. It sounds like he was perfectly wrong. lol
Congrats on your one-year of blogging. Yes…I feel like I need to write an epic post for my one year. Even though in the last few months, I haven't blogged nearly as much as I'd like. Soon…just need to finish school and I'll get back into it big time, me thinks. 🙂
My recent post Let’s Take a Moment…For the Earth
Janine Huldie says
You and me both Cyndi. Seriously, I know what I was thinking back then, but still happy that I came to my senses and moved on. And I hope you get to do a huge celebratory post for one year (you know I will so be there) and can't wait for you to be blogging more, because I truly do miss you. Seriously, when I saw that you were able to comment this morning, I got such a smile on my face. Love you and hugs your way!!! 🙂
Rosey says
Just a guess here, but I'm pretty much sure it'd be difficult for anyone to find a man that had that sweet, sappy love face your husband had on the dance floor with you at your wedding. That's a once in a lifetime look, and you def. got the right guy. 🙂
My recent post Lemons and Lavender (review & giveaway)
Janine Huldie says
Aww, Rosey you guessed right and I truly consider myself blessed and lucky to have made the right choice in Kevin!!! 🙂
Billybuc says
Great picture Janine. You were beautiful. Junior prom I fell into the swimming pool in my tux. Shall we talk about embarrassing? LOL
Have a great day!
Janine Huldie says
Thank you Bill and trust me I didn't always feel that way back then, but I now look back and think that it could have been so much worse. Just thankful that I can find some good in it all!! And your story made me think of It's a Wonderful Life and the part where they fell in the pool. Almost that time of the year to watch and enjoy that movie!! Have a great day, too 🙂
Kate says
So glad now you have a family with a great guy!
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks so much Kate and I admit I am really happy about this, too!! 🙂
tiffanigoff says
You look so pretty in that picture! Did you photoshop out the pic of the the rude or shall I saw typical teenage cheating boy? xoxo tiffani
My recent post When all else fails, sing!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Tiffani and they actually took two professional pictures that night. One was with the tow of us and one was just of me. I opted to share the one just of me, because I am always trying to be politically correct of what others may want shared of themselves on the internet. I mean probably shouldn't have been that nice to him, but still figured just show me 🙂 xoxo!!
MelChi says
You looked so pretty in that black dress! Love it 🙂 I know what you're saying about high school memories that shape you – the good and the bad. I have plenty! Some I cringe at the thought of, but most that have shaped me to who I am today and for that I am grateful. You couldn't pay me R1 million to go back and repeat it all again…hell no!!!
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Melanie and I am so with you on not ever wanting to have to go back and repeat those days though either!
dianna teaches12345 says
Janine, you reminded me of my high school prom years. It seems as if many of us have this experience, it is a wonderful time but it can be heartbreaking. You looked fabulous in your gown!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Dianna so much and you are right as much as it is a magical night and think many do have experiences less then wonderful for the actual night itself, because we build it up so much and then it really is just another night, I suppose.
notinjersey says
I too had an on again off again boyfriend throughout high school. we didn't go to the same school and he was a year older than me, so sophomore year I went to his junior prom and he came with me to my jr and sr proms. however, for his sr. prom he invited someone else. a girl who was mean to me to boot! I remember how hurt I was. and yet I didn't end it with him. why?? I don't know!!
Janine Huldie says
Trust me Dara, it took a lot for me to end it with him. This really was the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak. But he really did so many other questionable things even before it and I still took him back. So, I do also have my why moments on that, too!!
NuggetOnABudget says
Lol this was kind of like my prom with my stupid boyfriend I had in high school. I don't even know why I didn't realize how dumb he was. We were on-again off-again from my sophomore year to my senior year and even into the first month of college. DUMB! For prom, he even told me he didn't want to go with me and that he'd rather go with this sophomore girl. I should have just let him, because I had a horrible time at prom and it totally wasn't even worth the pretty dress and makeup that I had. Why were we so naive in high school? At least we both have our wonderful husbands {most of the time lol} and families now 🙂 xoxo!
My recent post what american accent do i have?
Janine Huldie says
Kera, I know what were we thinking and you are so right that we have are wonderful husbands (and again agree most of the time!). Seriously just so glad that we learned from our mistakes even if it took us time to get here!! 🙂
tamaralikecamera says
You look so pretty!
And "Dreams" was my favorite song ever of freshman year. I wrote the lyrics in a love note to a boy, but never sent it.
I totally have a senior prom story that I'll have to share on my blog soon. I have been meaning to do it for years. What a learning experience. Junior prom was fun! I went with my best friend – he was a year younger so I had to ask him and he happily accepted. These days, he's not exactly…straight..and probably wasn't then. Which perhaps was for the best for me! I was way not ready for anything until college.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks seriously Tamara and back then I definitely was more unsure of my looks and was just insecure teenager. I didn't start to feel more secure until college to be quite honest. also And totally share, because I would love to hear your story from prom. 🙂
dishofdailylife says
Oh prom memories! Junior prom was a blast…senior prom a bust. Haven't thought about high school in years! Fun way to go back!
Janine Huldie says
You know as miserable as I was from what he did to me, I did have a good time dancing at the prom and when we all went out afterwards that night. So I agree, it was fun to look back on this night
Sara says
I'm a firm believer that all of life's moments help lead you to where your supposed to be. I dated my share of jerks and finally when I was ready to date a nice guy I met Tommy. This was a fun post and made me think of my senior prom and how much fun I had going with just a friend.
My recent post Happy Birthday Little Bear!
Janine Huldie says
Sara, I couldn't agree with you more on this and was happy to share that even though it wasn't the perfect night, in the end it turned out the way it should have completely 🙂
lsdavidson says
You look amazing in the pictures! I'm so glad that you went to prom – but what a disaster:(((( If only we could have the wisdom of our older selves to let our younger selves in on a few secrets. Oh, the heartbreak I could have saved myself:((
Janine Huldie says
Thank you Leah and I know I really could have saved myself tons of heartache in my teens and early twenties, too!!
menopausalmother says
Wow! What a horrible prom night–although you sure did look gorgeous in that dress. I never got asked to prom–I had a pity party that night with a bunch of other single gal pals.
Janine Huldie says
Trust me that night a pity party would have been so in order, but now I am truly happy I still got to go to prom if nothing else, because I, at least, had the experience, Marcia.
cgacad says
janine, i was so engrossed in this post…probably because i am sure every person can relate to being cheated on. i agree with you all of this makes a stronger! and definitely makes us appreciate our spouses that much more.
Janine Huldie says
Catherine, I wish I could tell you that it was the last time I was cheated on, but sadly there were others after this, but I did kick the few others to the curb much quicker and also learned to spot it much faster, too. And you are so right, I now know just how blessed I am too that I married a faithful, loyal guy 🙂
writingpaddad says
Oh, the sweet tragedy of it all. I am so glad not to be in high school anymore. Aren't you? Hey, he's the one who missed out. You were smart to cut your losses when you did! Better things were waiting for you, pal! 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Oh god yes and if I ever start thinking otherwise you will know I have totally lost my mind! And thank you for saying that Justin and I do agree with you (and am so very thankful for that!).
Sandy Ramsey says
I say it all the time, it was fun at times, but I would NEVER want to go back to high school! The drama of it all and when you are so young and have no idea how to handle it, it sucks! I will say this, you ROCKED that dress! Beautiful!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Sandy and I know I would never want to go back either. Been there and done that and no way, no how would I want to go back!!! Hope you are having a great weekend now!! 🙂
nellie says
Ugh that is just awful. Trust me I have had plenty of moments in high school where I could have yelled at my 16 year old self!! I love hat you apreciate your hubby even more now for t too. You looked beautiful!!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Nellie and if I could go back, I would totally shake my 18 year old self, because she was so stubborn and definitely thought she was invincible!!
Jodi Flaherty says
1st we are the same age 🙂 My prom theme was the remake of Oh What a night…. Cranberries much better choice.
Ahh That made me sad 🙁 but it is definitely typical high school drama- I can remember & relate too!
you looked beautiful!
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Jodi and awesome that we are the same age. Many times, I feel like is anyone my age around here and nice to know that you indeed are. And I loved our theme and when we voted for it, The Cranberries so got my vote 🙂
gigigirl says
I think proms are highly overrated! Sorry you had a bad date but sounds like you had a good time anyway. And, as you say, it is good to have some of these experiences so when the right guy comes along, you know it! And you did! I never got to my HS senior prom and I've never regretted it. This was a wonderful sharing…..xxoo
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Aunt Gloria and once I started to write this, I got a bit excited to share, because it did happen and was something I haven't shared at all here yet. That said prom is over-rated totally, but for me I was glad I went to find that out first hand!! 🙂 xoxo!!
gigigirl says
Glad you did too. It will always be part of your memories. xxoo
Janine Huldie says
Again thanks Aunt Gloria and I know it will always be a part of my memories!! 🙂 xoxo!!
Jen says
First off, you look so super pretty! I choose that as the takeaway and not that terrible and jerky boy, but luckily you moved on to your real Prince Charming! I have 2 more years until one of my children enter High School and I am not looking forward to it!
Lysa says
I love your dress and you look amazing but what a disaster…you poor thing! I never went to prom and have regretted it ever since and my 25 year reunion is just a few months away! Thanks for sharing on #mommyreality!