DiscussMormonism.com

During my interview with the missionaries yesterday, I realized something. One potential benefit of serving a mission (for some boys) is that it delays marriage.

The elder from West Jordan told me he has a girlfriend. This girl will also be serving a mission, and is set to leave just before this elder goes home. He told me they became very serious daters before he left and they were almost going to get married. The elder realized after some contemplation, that he would like to serve a mission and delay marriage.


Ugh. You know what? This is very likely a fictional tale. I know many Utah boys are desperate to have an Almatic conversion. They talk themselves into the fake events until they become real. For all we know, this kid was terrified of getting married so young and is happy for the chance to delay it.

I was possibly duped on that one...

I don't think my mission changed me for the better. I had a hard time adjusting to real life outside the Missionary Cult. I came back a lot more somber, a lot more serious. Less joyful.

Before my mission I found a lot of magic in everyday life. After, not so much.

Going on a mission for me was just what I needed. I became me, essentially.

That missionary will be different when he comes home and he'll probably not marry that girl anyway. he might not decide to get married until he's older and ready. He'll realize how stupid it would have been to get married at 18.

I know many Utah boys are desperate to have an Almatic conversion. They talk themselves into the fake events until they become real.

Indeed, what's fake to you can be very real to others.