“Such a terrible man who seems genuinely happy, works with young people, celebrates faith, and focuses on his marriage.”
“He deserves scorn, indeed.”
Growing up in Wyoming, I was raised in a large Mormon population. They had the exact same diversity as any other group.
There were Mormon ‘party girls’ and ‘bad boys’ and Mormon evangelicals who could get seriously annoying. But the vast majority were just good, normal people.
My husband and I became engaged on July 31st 2009. We scheduled our wedding for August 10.
At one point in that week before our wedding, I sought out a Mormon friend of mine and asked her if I could come over for coffee. After we sat down and exchanged pleasantries, I pulled out a notepad and told her the purpose of my visit.
“We’re getting married on the 10th. More than anyone I know, you have the happiest, most solid marriage and close family that I’ve ever met. I was hoping you’d give me some advice as I go into my own marriage.”
She had five children, was deeply in love with her husband of almost 15 years and was a genuinely happy person. She had what I wanted. Who better to ask for guidance?
She told me that a large part of her happiness came from the church, but it wasn’t just the church. It was her and her husband making a commitment to walk a walk together. To share the same basic values. That helped weed out a lot of the conflict right from the beginning.
The one thing that she told me that helped the most, was that her marriage wasn’t always great. She cautioned me that it was difficult, especially for the first year or two, for a couple to finally get into step.
She told me that the commitment, made by both of us, to reach that end goal of blending into one team - one partnership, one unit - would get us through that time.
I spent all afternoon with her, taking in as much as I could and she told me many things - all of which turned out to be true and helpful.
I shared this advice with my husband and her advice got us through the tough times. When things were at their worst, and we were both frustrated beyond words, I had the reassurance that this was part of the process and that we could make it through.
Thank you, Carrie.
Ain't FR wonderful!
All KINDS of FACTS come to light to educate people!
If you had then lived in a Mormon community, you might have had a lot more plural-wife interviewin' to do.
Oooops!
HMMmmm...
The 'church' and 'commitments'...
I take it that you are NOT a MORMON?
Sounds like Glenn Beck's story.
thank you for sharing your positive comments