On Dating

This afternoon I went in for a routine check-up with my Bishop. He is a good man and I was happy for the chance to share things that have been on my mind lately. (Don't worry, I'm not about to tell you any crazy stories of sins or anything like that!)

After being in the ward for a couple of months I have gotten used to some of his quirks; such as blatant encouragement to flirt and snuggle. I have also learned that he looks out for me due in part, to my age. The average age of the ward is about four years beyond my own. Actually, he thought there was a greater gap until he realized I wasn't fresh out of high school!

I digress....

Today the usual topics were discussed, and eventually my social life/relationship status/fliriting effort came up. He asked me point blank if I'd ever been in love.....cut to wheels spinning madly in my mind. I don't think I've even been asked this question by a girl friend. I don't really know the answer, but I think its a no. (I'd insert a joke here about my dog, but I think my mom would die.) So I told him not really. Apparently this is a problem, because he proceeded to push the option of online dating... as if his sole income depended upon it. All together, can we just say whoa?? I would have thought he was joking had he not continued to discuss pros and cons in tandem with the percentage of previous ward marriages which began as online.

Call me crazy, but I'd rather not. No, I'm not in a relationship right now, would I like to be, sure. With all the other life changes I'm currently experiencing, it is just not a top priority. Being married is a worthy goal and a necessary one in obtaining Celestial Glory, so I understand the encouragement. But maybe, just maybe, its okay that I'm focusing on other things right now and hoping that in time, I'll be doing the right thing in the right place at the right time.

* I believe that my Bishop is an inspired man. He happens to be the Dean of Religion at BYU, so he's got street cred too.