Risks

Every decision has them. But none are like deciding to date a Mormon guy (or girl). This is relevant to people who aren't part of the Mormon faith. Personally, I do not have a problem with the faith; I just don't believe in it. This can cause friction in a relationship, and it has done so before in my relationship with Darren. A few months after we started dating, he began talking about eternal marriage, and in order for that to happen, I would have to convert. Boy, was I angry at him then, but mainly, I was hurt. How could he have asked me that when I'm a devout Catholic, and he's known this about me since we were friends? I had a feeling that this relationship wasn't going to last. Before, the different faiths weren't that big of a deal with us. Then this came up and it felt that he was trying to change who I am. However, we talked about it and he apologized for it. The subject never came up again.

I can't be totally mad at him though. He was brought up with the belief of eternal marriage, so it's only natural that he would want it. But I was hurt with it. I never asked him to convert to my religion, so why would he do that to me? Yes, it would be easier to be in a relationship with someone of the same religion, but to change just for the other person isn't going to make things easier. It'll make the person who changed end up resenting the other person. Converting religions isn't something that should be taken lightly. Your heart has to believe in the teachings of that religion. He can't make me convert anymore than I can make him. Although we have compromised on what will happen in our household religion-wise, he can always change his mind.

I believe deep in his heart that he wants the eternal marriage, even though he says he's fine without it. If he changes his mind while he's on his mission that he really wants it, then he can have it. It just won't be with me. I want him to be happy, and if that's what will make him so, then that's just how it is. This is what I mean by dating someone Mormon is risky, or anyone of a different faith really. They may really want something that they can only get if they marry within the faith, and sacrifices will have to be made. I do believe that the eternal marriage is a wonderful thing, but I can't change what I believe because of just that. No one can. All I can say is this: Darren and I love each other dearly. We will try our hardest to bring two faiths together. Luckily, we both believe in the same core values, and that is how we will raise our family. It's still risky, but it's a risk worth taking.