Dumb Move #1:
To this guy, formal wear means funny wear—wacky shorts with matching sneaks, a funky T-shirt under a tux jacket or (worse!) a powder-blue polyester monstrosity he managed to dig out of his dad’s closet. You are not amused.

Prom-saving strategy: Not yet prom time? Gently let him know that you had a slightly different vision and suggest that he consider going more formal. Try buttering him up a bit by telling him how hot you think he’d look sporting a classic black tux—and rent a few James Bond flicks for inspiration. Or, ask him to give one a test-drive, “just to see,” and ooh and aah over his studliness. (Sometimes guys need convincing that a tux makes them look sexy, not silly.) If he still shows up on prom night in powder blue, make the best of it. As long as you look amazing, what’s the harm in him having a little fun? After all, it’s his prom, too.

Dumb Move #2:
Not only does he show up late, but he also forgets the corsage!

Prom-saving strategy: Take a deep breath. This doesn’t automatically win him a place in the Hall of Lame. Granted, it isn’t the brightest move the boy could make, but try to keep perspective—and hear him out. But if he doesn’t apologize for his tardiness, let him know—in a chill way—that you’re bummed: “I started getting nervous when you didn’t get here. I just don’t want to miss a thing.” Then try to move on. Whatever you do, don’t chew him out. It’ll only get the rest of the night off to an awful start. As for the corsage—yeah, it’s disappointing, but he’s probably kicking himself right about now (translation: he’s likely to try to make it up to you by treating you like the prom queen you truly are).

Dumb Move #3:
He’s charming, funny and attentive—to his friends. Meanwhile, you’re sitting out all the slow dances and seething, because he hasn’t said two words to you all night.

Prom-saving strategy: So he’s being insensitive—don’t let that keep you from having a blast. Chat it up with your friends, and seize this opportunity to hit the dance floor with your best pal without worrying about where your date is. But do let him know that you’d like to spend some time with him. Maybe he’s just really excited to be hanging out with the whole gang, and honestly doesn’t know that you’re feeling a little abandoned. “Go up to him and say nicely, ‘Let’s dance,’” suggests Christine Nicholson, Ph.D., a psychologist in private practice in Albuquerque, NM. Telling him you want to hang out with him—instead of criticizing his behavior—will keep things on a positive note, and will more likely nudge him away from his buddies to boot.

Dumb Move #4:
On the way to prom, he pulls out a bottle of booze and says, “Let’s get this party started!”

Prom-saving strategy: Definitely not a bright idea: Not only is drinking illegal for under 21-ers, but barfing and getting booted out of prom won’t make for a kick-butt evening. But if your date’s determined to drink, priority number one is, as you know, making sure he’s not driving himself or anyone else. So be sure you have a backup plan. Arrange ahead of time for a limo, carry the number of a cab service or see if a parent or an older sib is willing to play chauffeur—just in case. And trust us, you won’t look like a dork if you refuse to booze. Dr. Nicholson suggests you simply pass and sip on a Coke or some other N.A. drink. Remember, you’re probably not the only one of your friends not drinking, so team up with fellow teetotalers for moral support. One last note: If your boy gets seriously plowed it’s not your responsibility to babysit, so ask an adult to step in. You’re not being a narc—you’re being smart and safe.

Dumb Move #5:
He’s flirting with another girl!

Prom-saving strategy: Remember that deep-breathing thing we were talking about earlier? Now would be another good time to put that into action. Next, check your facts: Is he actually flirting with her and not just being friendly? (Smiling and talking to a girl doesn’t necessarily mean he’s putting on the moves.) Is he the naturally flirty type for whom “Hello, gorgeous” is the equivalent of “Yo”? Finally, did you witness the flirting yourself or get the news via the grapevine? If indeed all the answers point to a flirt violation, play it cool. Approach your date and jokingly say, “Hey, I was starting to get jealous there.” The humorous tone is key—this lets him know he’s on thin ice without prompting an embarrassing public squabble. Then, flirt with him yourself. Catch the guy again and he really is dumb.

Dumb Move #6:
During the last dance he pulls you aside, shows you a hotel room key and leers, “Baby, I’m going to give you the night of your life!”

Prom-saving strategy: Ugh. Hopefully no guy you know is this cheesy. Still, there are some boys out there who (lamely) think the big night equals booty and suddenly morph into Mr. Sex Quest. So what do you do? First of all, don’t do anything you’re not ready to do. Sex is a major decision, and you should never, we repeat, never feel coerced into it. Second, set your date straight—pronto.