Disclaimer: This advice column is for entertainment purposes and no part of it should be taken seriously. Dr. Cupid is not a professional or an actual, certified Doctor.

Dear Dr. Cupid, 

I write to you in hopes of finding help for my situation. My S.O. has just informed me they might have an important event that they’re very passionate about on the day of prom. While this is upsetting, I want to be supportive and don’t blame them or expect them to miss the event. However, I don’t want to go to prom solo. My friends will all have dates and I don’t want to feel like an outlier throughout the night or in pictures. 

Is it wrong to try and find another date in their place? It would be 100% platonic and just for the sake of pictures and convenience. He seems hesitant and a little offended, feeling replaceable. The potential date would be a friend of ours and approved by my S.O. Is it unfair to find a new date? How do I approach this idea with my S.O.? 

From,

Sad Solo

Dear Sad Solo,

First, I commend you for having the maturity to support your S.O. in something they love, even when it seriously disrupts an event that’s important to you. With that being said, I don’t think it’s unfair for you to want a date. To adults or outsiders, it might seem silly to need a prom date to fill in. But when all of your friends will be with someone else and the prom dinner tables work in evens (from what I’ve been told), I totally understand your fears. Your S.O. has an important event but so do you– you have the right to not let his event ruin yours. 

Talk to your S.O. and make sure they know that they aren’t simply a replaceable vessel to pose with and sit next to at prom. It may seem obvious that they’re your first choice but it wouldn’t hurt to remind them of that. It sounds like this person loves you, and to see you in pictures with someone else at prom, even a friend, evokes jealousy and sadness. 

So yes, you have every right to seek out a platonic prom date as a fill-in. Keep your S.O. in the loop though– I’m sure you’d want to know who your fill-in would be too. Be honest with your S.O. and don’t let them be unfair. You’re supporting them and they should support you too– never allow for double standards in your relationship. 

Love, 

Dr. Cupid?