my two cents

"You've already been on the road less traveled for a year - that's awesome!" "One year older and wiser, too - happy hump day to you"

Welcome to the forum! Sounds like things got to be quite challenging. I'm glad the situation has improved and that there's more stability. I will say that it wouldn't hurt to keep seeking healing so you don't have to rely on meds, etc. Priesthood blessings - not just 'priesthood prayers' - could help (along with other things) if you're not doing that already.

@Kimberley93 - Good to hear from you! I've been wondering how things have been going. I understand that tithing can be a challenge but please don't throw the baby out with the bathwater (I know you didn't say you would but people sometimes do unfortunately). Keep learning, meeting, attending, etc. The Church is made up of people from all walks of life so just take the time you need. Also, the Church has an education program called Pathway. Not sure if it's in your area but it wouldn't hurt to ask your bishop about it.

@Jane_Doe - May I ask why you suggest Ancestry? I've heard there are a lot of mistakes/inaccuracies on there. Just wondering.

Thought of a couple more - help serve a meal at a soup kitchen, put on a talent show at a nursing home, throw an 'unbirthday party' for kids at a women's shelter

First off - All the best with the calling! Pace yourself - it can seem overwhelming at times. Service: indexing, clean chapel, letters to missionaries, housework for new mom, yard work for elderly, secret heart attacks for whoever needs a pick-me-up, free babysitting for date night, Christmas caroling (nursing home, hospital...)

I dare say you were too focused on your uncomfortableness. Thoughts are powerful and what you feed grows so how about you try again and focus on the blessings this time?!

This was asked a while ago - see if there's anything here: https://mormonhub.com/forums/topic/61146-free-lds-dating-sites/#comment-902391

Not too long ago someone posted a quote along the lines of 'contribute more than you take'. I've tried various searches but nothing is coming up. Does this ring a bell for anyone and/or can you provide more info (or the quote itself!)? Thanks in advance!

First, welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you've had to deal with this and it's unfortunate that you would lose friends over it. As far as responding when asked, maybe something like "we've decided not to have kids and thank you for not judging us for that choice" or "we've decided not to have kids but I hope we can still be friends". Also, make sure you're not expecting to get critical comments (ie you find what you look for). Hope this helps.

Since you've only been a member for such a short time, I suggest you put your concerns on the back burner for now and just focus on your testimony. Take things line upon line, precept upon precept and don't worry about those issues you mentioned right now.

Shift this from a weight/size issue and introduce her to 'dressing your truth' (google it). There are many women (and men) with the 'perfect' figure/physique who look less than great so this info could really help. It also offers a great sisterhood network which she might also benefit from.

If you are the one keeping the relationship going (ie doing most of the reaching out), then it's been too long and you need to let it go. Something to keep in mind is that if you're hanging on to the idea of him, you're not open to what might come your way.

Chiming back in - Pursuing an education is a great thing and I commend anyone for doing it. It may be worth considering though that you'll be even more blessed in your studies and career if you give a mission an honest go. My husband has had some amazing opportunities, etc and I'm sure in part, it's because he served a faithful mission. That said, since you're just asking about dating, have you checked facebook for singles groups? That can lead to skype convos and then maybe 'meeting half-way' for a date. Also, my area has regional ysa activities from time to time. Maybe find out what might be happening where you are (google can possibly help with that) and go to those.

@hewasamormonboy - fwiw - My husband is a much better husband thanks to his *honorable* mission than he would've been without it. Don't get me wrong, he's a really great guy but he was exposed to things on his mission (hardships, attitudes, different personalities, etc) that prepared him for marriage. Also, you may want to consider who it is that you're being influenced by. Do you really want him to outsmart you??

I love your enthusiasm! Please keep us posted on how things go.

Popping back in because it occurred to me that your ancestors might be the reason why you feel drawn to learn more about Mormonism. We believe that families are eternal and that our ancestors are aware of us and watch over us. We have the restored priesthood keys and in our temples, ordinances are performed that link generations together. We also believe that those who didn't have a chance to hear the Gospel while living on Earth, are taught in the spirit realm after they pass away and are given the opportunity to accept it. I hope this makes sense (someone here might explain things better) but I'm thinking that your ancestors know how much you're interested in them and feel that you may be the one to help get everyone connected together forever. Just something to consider and since your musically inclined, here's a clip from a little song that sums up my comments (A Never Ending Chain by Clive Romney): http://mp3songpreview.net/clive-romney-a-never-ending-chain_mp3-song-download-1245096

Welcome! So glad you're here! In case you haven't included this in your research, mormon.org is a great place to learn about us and there's quite a variety of languages to choose from to make it easier (scroll to the bottom). I'm sorry about your experience with mental illness and what may have led to it. I'm also sorry that you haven't felt understood or accepted for your thoughts and feelings about things that are important to you like modesty, etc. I love your sense of family connection! Not sure if you've visited familysearch.org but that's a free site you may want to look over if you haven't already. Oh, you may also like puzzilla.org, pedigree pie, rootsmapper and geneopardy (just google these). Anyway, again welcome to the forum - from someone who's ancestors come mainly from the UK and Sweden.

Welcome to the forum! That's so great that you're planning on getting baptized! I suggest you just give your husband time. Some people need more time than others to adjust to change and once he sees that you're only becoming a better version of yourself and feeling more hope and peace, the 'cult' label should take care of itself. If anything else comes to mind, I'll pop back in but again welcome - so glad to have you here!

Congrats!!

@priesthoodpower - My point was that self-talk matters.

You can always put them in the front of the shelf in the fridge or put them in a covered container such as this:

Thanks, MG!

Had another thought - Instead of practicing flirting, practice good manners! This is a dying art so it will get noticed and help you stand out (in a good way).

First, you need to change your perception! Even if you don't voice these things to others, people can pick up on your negative vibe and it would be a turn off. You need to start telling yourself that you are enough, that you are special, that you are confident and that a woman will want you. Also, 25 is not old and fwiw, I wouldn't say I'm great at flirting and I'm married so that obviously isn't something you need to worry about.