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Hello ALostSoul, I have felt quite depressed at certain times in my life. I don't want to say that I know what you're going through, because I don't, but I would like to offer some words of encouragement. Regarding the mission, please don't feel lesser for choosing not to serve. I feel like you've chosen to do the right thing by seeking professional help instead of going on a mission. There have been times in my life that I've felt desperate to find "my purpose" or a reason to continue moving forward. It can feel overwhelming. Meditation has helped me recently (this is my latest read: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808), but in saying that, I don't want to imply that any form of depression can be handled through meditation alone. Professional guidance and medicine is often needed, so I'm happy you are going to get the necessary help. I also wanted to say that dating outside the church isn't necessarily a bad thing. I would suggest you look for girls who share similar interests and core values. There are many lovely people out there who are overlooked because they simply didn't have the opportunity to be raised in the church as many of us did. I'm rooting for you. Keep in mind the National Suicide Hotline phone number posted above, and remember you can always reach out here for additional advice or just someone to talk to.

I know you have already received a lot of good advice, but I wanted to add my thoughts. First, I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting a certain standard of living. I second the advice to discuss those concens with your fiance. You should get those expectations out on the table. Second, wealth has nothing to do with righteousness. That line of thinking leads people to judging each other based on material wealth. There are many good people who are successful in their careers but aren't considered wealthy. One of my greatest pet peeves is that the word "success" seems to always be solely linked with material wealth. As an educator, your fiance will have all kinds of opportunity to make the world a better place. If he takes advantage of those opportunities to better the world, and both of you can live the life you want on your combined income, then what could be considered more successful? One more thing, wealth is relative. I enjoy reading this blog: http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/blog/

Well said! Sometimes the baggage can't simply go away, and there will be emotional pain for a lifetime, but we all have baggage we deal with. I'm thankful that my wife didn't bail on me for my own baggage. Marriage is about being friends and supporting each other through good times and bad.

Thanks for responding because you made me realize how much I over generalized. Yes, the concepts of past and future are real in our minds and we can't overlook major issues in the past. You absolutey need to know if your SO has STDs and make decisions appropriately. And of course, we should remember the past so we don't make the same mistakes in the future. Having said all that, I am speaking with the assumptions from my story. If your SO has changed and is completely loyal to you, then I feel that the burden is on you to accept your SO or get out of the relationship for their sake. They are coming from a vulnerable position and should be allowed to have a fresh start. Isn't that the entire point of the gospel of Jesus Christ? For all of us to overcome our imperfections, great and small? About your warning to your children about marrying someone who comes from a situation of divorce or abuse, I feel like that is far too harsh and is lumping those unfortunate individuals into the "chewed gum" analogy. Yes, there is baggage that comes from traumatizing experiences that could be a tough pill to swallow, but these individuals, including past fornicators, are just as deserving of participating in a loving marriage as any of us, and discarding them from the pool of potential mates is selfish and unchristlike, in my opinion.

Adding a link to this excellent book: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Humanity invented the concepts of the past and future, but when they aren't bridled appropriately they can enslave us. I have received PMs about this topic, so please feel free to message me if you also find yourself in a similar boat. I would love to help rid the world of the "chewed gum" analogy.

for anyone going through something similar, i recently posted what i've learned from my own experiences: i just remember reading so many depressing stories online at that time (in 2011) and i want to make my positive experience available to more people.

Wow. It has been over 4 years. I had nearly forgotten about this post, but I'm sure some random internet lurkers are bound to happen upon this thread and want advice about their own situation or just want to know how things turned out. First of all, thank you all for the advice. To all the lurkers, there is some awesome advice here. I married her! Never regretted it! We're loving life. Now, a few things that I've learned: 1. She was never the problem. It was always me (basically, I was an idiot). 2. The idea of virginity is just that, an idea. 3. What matters most is that you're best friends. Best friends are loyal to each other no matter what happened in the past. 4. The past isn't real. The present is everything. The future is a dream. My advice, is that if you're in this type of situation, get over yourself. Assuming your significant other is completely loyal to you, if you still find yourself "haunted" by their past then the most important thing you need to ask yourself is, "Can I be the spouse my SO needs?" If the answer is no, then stop jeopardizing your SO's happiness by constantly dragging your thoughts through the nonexistant past. Get out of the relationship for their sake. If you can honestly answer yes, then go for it. You've got an entire lifetime to make amazing memories together. I was taught growing up that it was better to die than to lose your virtue. I disagree with that. I was also taught that those who had lost their virtue were like "licked ice cream" or "chewed gum". That way of thinking is wrong, and it's very harmful. Let go of that type of thinking. It benefits no one. Elizabeth Smart talked about what it feels like to be a "chewed piece of gum" and it sounds terrible: http://fox13now.com/2013/05/06/elizabeth-smart-i-felt-like-a-chewed-up-piece-of-gum/ Don't put your SO through that. If you're best friends, nothing else matters. Best of luck to your SO (and you) if you're in the situation I was in. In conclusion, this image sums it all up: