In Slate's "Pay Dirt," a high school student seeks advice on her mother's plan to buy a prom dress only to return it after the event. The column emphasizes the stress the student would face wearing a temporary dress and highlights the ethical implications of returning an item after use. The response advises the student to appreciate her mother's intention while addressing her concerns effectively, suggesting alternatives like secondhand dresses or rentals to avoid unethical situations and keep the prom experience positive.
Wearing a dress you know you'll have to return will stress you out all night. No one wants to worry about spills or damage on prom night.
If you're being coerced into doing something you feel is unethical, that's no way to spend prom night either.
Before you talk to your mom, get clear about what exactly bothers you about the situation, and focus on how it makes you feel.
You might say, 'I'm excited about prom and I really appreciate you helping me pick out a dress... I feel morally uncomfortable with wearing an item and then returning it.'
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