Something special begins with the annual blooming of the teens into Adolescentus promgoerus, when they dress up, poof up and slick down their hair, smell pretty, ride in limos and eat in fancy restaurants.

Keen-eyed prom observers will see a young gentleman opening a door for a lady or offering his arm as they walk down the sidewalk. The young lady will speak in demure tones and utter "thank you" to the young man paying the bill at the restaurant.

Although he considers himself always mannerly, peppering his speech with "yes, ma'am" when asked a question from an adult, Brandon Hadwin says special events, such as proms, call for even more attention to etiquette and manners.

"I always have manners and stuff," says Hadwin, a high school junior in Rockledge, Fla. "But on prom night, it's special. It's her prom, and I want it to be really special."

Gentlemen should remember to open doors for their dates, to seat their date first at restaurants and at tables at the dance, to get up when she gets up, to pull out the chair and, just as important, "tell her she's beautiful," he says.

Hadwin's date, Jenny Goodson, a senior, advises young ladies to resist vulgar language and, unless both agree, skip dancing with others.

Hadwin and Goodson, who have been dating for two years, will dine before the prom and were asked if they were going Dutch. "I'm picking up the check. Definitely. She's not paying for anything," Hadwin said emphatically.

For those who want some hints at what to do, we consulted some experts.

FLOWERS

Flowers always are a hit and a great way to start a special evening. Gentlemen will offer ladies corsages for their wrist or pinned to the bodice or shoulder strap of their dress. Ladies will offer gentleman a boutonniere to be worn on the left lapel of their jacket.