[alcohol in the home]

I used to drink, a lot. I simply choose not to now, and I would be horribly offended if anyone had so little respect for me as to bring alcohol into my home. Just as I would be offended if someone brought over a porn movie, tobacco, or mayonnaise.

[What level of interaction is appropriate?]

Single mothers need to be especially careful about dating; there are some really creepy guys out there who will get close to a divorcee' just to have access to her children.

A simple criminal records check may be in order...

[alcohol in the home]

This all comes down to respect. People need to respect you and your home. If you keep a dry home and others are angry about it, its likely due to substance abuse and dependancy.

I'd be a little pissed off is someone had so little respect for me as to blantantly violate the sanctity of my home, my castle, by bringing in items that I'm against, or being under the influence of intoxicants in my home.

If a guest wants to drink alcohol, more power to him.. as long as he's in his own home.

My home, my rules. Don't like em'? There's the door.

[Dating Standards]

I think that the younger you are, the easier it is to date. There are more available partners.

I agree that a position in the church doesn't mean that person is of good moral character. I personally know of a Stake President who sexually abused one of my sisters. And if I ever catch the SOB in a dark alley, well, I'll likely be excommunicated for what I'd do.

While a Temple Recommend speaks a little to the character of the individual, I also know plenty of members who'll go drinking and carousing on Friday, but will show up to the Ward Temple Night on Saturday.

I think it ultimatly comes down to personal revelation about the person whom you're dating; if you get anything other than a burning in the bosom, so to speak, after praying about them, get away as soon as possible. Appearances are quite often deceptive.

[What level of interaction is appropriate?]

Is this someone in whom you're interested in an eternal marriage with?

If so, take things slow. An extra year or two of casual friendship now could save you a lot of heartache later.

If you're not interested in an eternal relationship with him, get out now.

Having friends that are of the opposite sex and in whom you're not in a relationship that will ultimately lead to marriage is a recipe for disaster.

[getting over chastity issues]

I don't know that I have any insight to this conversation, other than to say whatever happened before you two were together is none of your business. You got into the relationship knowing that she wasn't a virgin so you have nothing to complain about. Were it something revealed to you on your honeymoon, well, I'd immediately get an annulment; but it was disclosed and you continued to persue the relationship after being told.

Do I endorse pre-marital sex? No, not necessarily. But I do understand that everyone has been in circumstances in which I have no insight. The fact that she currently holds a Temple recommend says that she's been forgiven by the Lord; and unless you're suddenly a higher authority than the Almighty, you have nothing to say in this matter. Nothing at all.

I've done things in my life I'm not particularily proud of; is it your right to be angry with me about them?

"I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." D&C 64 - 9

True repentance = True forgiveness; in other words the sin never happened.