OneBeanBiker

The bold is very close to what I was trying to say. Thank you! I'm trying to find places to go to meet other people. I've started going to a group of young adult cancer survivors, but it's a small group and mostly girls. I'm hoping to get to know them a bit better to see if we mesh at all. The whole co-workers thing wouldn't work. I work in a special ed class with married people in their 50s and older.. I'm only 27. Just friends, not boyfriends. (I really don't date. ) The bold, I don't understand what you're trying to say.... Sorry I wasn't clear. That is not my issue. I do have lots of friends from high school and what not who are not members. Plus the majority of my family are not members. I'm a super friendly person, so obviously I would say hi back. It's not like non members are aliens or something. I'm sorry if it's still confusing. I haven't been able to formulate my quandary into actual words instead of just a feeling. I'll try to do so before I start a thread next time. Thanks for your input, folks!

Yeah I think I screwed up what I was trying to say. My point obviously isn't clear... Basically, I never meet non members cause I dont go anywhere but church and work. So that sucks. Don't worry, I would never proselyte. I'm not the missionary type. We don't even talk about church at home.. Ha. I guess what I'm trying to say is when I'm building stronger friendships, or wanting to build up friendships with those who aren't members, its hard. When I talk about the things that are important, all of my argument and belief is backed up by my testimony. Argh. I'm having a really hard time explaining myself. I'm coming off as an ignorant mormon prude. Thats not me, by a long shot. If someone can decipher my meaning, please help. If not, I'll come back later to try and make sense.

I feel really dumb when it comes to making non member friends. Aside from friends I made back in high school (9 years ago) who I sort of talk to (mainly facebook), I have no non member friends. I just started talking to and hanging out with this guy who I work with. Hes a good guy, hes friendly to mormons, but is not a member. I think I like him, but that has me all sorts of confused because I'm not sure that could go anywhere since I will settle for nothing less than a temple marriage. Thats all aside the point though. I just feel totally awkward around nonmembers even though there are plenty of them our there. I don't judge and I love everyone, but it's difficult figuring out the details of friendship. This probably doesn't even make sense. I guess I just wish it'd be easier to meet and become good friends with others who aren't members. I never do missionary work because I just don't know non members.i think that is because the only place I meet new people is at church stuff.... I need more friends and it'd be easier to find them if I knew what to say... Anyway, thanks for your help to my ramblings.

Ok, that's good to know. I don't know much about the priesthood. I grew up with out it in my life. He has sat down with his bishop and set goals and stuff. So he said if he stays on track, then he should make it there by the end of the year. I just don't know the specifics. I guess I don't feel it is my place since we're still kinda new. And we've talked. He even said once that if he isn't doing what he is supposed to and taking too long, then it will probably be time for me to move on. But I ask him all the time how his scripture study is going and everything. It's just really hard to gauge it all and to know what is really my place...

Hey, what's up? Found this site after a bit of searching. I've wanted something like this for a while. I hope that this forum isn't dead like most others I've seen out there... BUT I hope that the few questions and inquiries I have can be answered here. Sometimes even with family friends and a ward family, you still don't know who to turn to. (And anonymity is kinda nice too, haha!)

My boyfriend and I have been dating a few months. Before we started dating, I knew he came with some special circumstances, but I was ok with it. Here is a little background before I ask for advice: He joined the church a few years ago. Because he is in the military, a good chunk of his time since being baptized was overseas where he had no contact with any members nor did he get to attend any church services. When he returned at the end of last summer, he was starting the divorce process and was in a bad place. His ex was who had introduced him to the church. He didn't attend church that much, but it was mainly because he felt awkward. His smoking habit was still there because he'd gotten back into it while deployed. Where was he to attend church? He technically wasn't single so he couldn't do a singles ward, and he felt a bit judged at the family ward, going through the divorce and all. So, he attended institute and spent time with some people there. Well, he got moved to a different state (where is where he met me!) and since arriving this last April, he has been active in his singles ward. He's also stopped smoking again. He's talked with his bishop. He's received his Patriarchal Blessing and by the end of the year he hopes to receive the Melch. Priesthood and to receive his endowment in the temple. (He does have the Aaronic, btw.) Here is where I would like your input. How can I help him achieve his goals and how can I make sure he is on track? I don't know all that is making him have to wait until the end of the year to make these covenants. Is it normal protocol for less active members returning to activity to have to wait to receive the higher priesthood? Do they have to wait a certain amount of time after a divorce if they didn't have it before? Or could it possibly just be some other worthiness things? Right now we are taking things slow and are not looking to get very serious. He knows that I will not get serious (thinking about marriage etc.) unless it is with someone who can RIGHT THEN take me to the temple. I know he has the potential someday to do these things, that's why I chose to date him. I just don't know what I'll do if come the end of the year and he isn't ordained or endowed.... we'll probably have to break up. Anyhow, any advice you have? Thanks!