Manners Matter

Although, we arent youth so we may not need to listen to the council in the strength of youth pamphlet.    As a former Stake Singles Rep, I cannot tell you how many times, men and women have told me that The Strength of Youth (SOY) does not apply to those > some age or other.  SOY is excellent advice for those of any age. Be wise. Don’t do something that you will have to repent of!

Nonsense.  That counsel applies to all, regardless of age.
Said nearly everyone before they inched too close to the edge and then fell over.

The difference being one of those traditions is not in conflict with the gospel in any way, and the other is.

You are getting married in the temple, right?  That means she's Mormon too.  Therefore:
Repentance and Change, by Elder Oaks
And he isn't the only one to say things like this.

One night on the floor, touching each other all night.  Then the next night, get in a bed, alone together, and stay there all night.  All before you're married.  Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.  I know everyone likes to think they're strong enough to resist temptation, but that seems like a pointless risk to take given how many clearly aren't, and the fact that you really can't know until it's too late.

I think it  depends on your situation. If you think you'll be in a position down the road to help, don't worry about it now but if you don't think the prospects will be there, you may want to consider setting something aside sooner than later. That said, I don't think it hurts to expect kids to cover a good portion of the cost. Hopefully, they'd take their education more seriously if they had to work and save for it themselves.

Update...I took your advice and walked in.  Beating heart, sweating brow ignored, remembering your advice and positivity and humming Handel to myself got me into the building.
This week was the week I was supposed to be there.
A warm welcome as soon as I walked in the door as the Bishop,  Relief Society President and  Exec Sec walked out of the bishops office and right into me. TBH I felt a little overwhelmed at this point, but found a quiet spot at the back of the chapel for Sacrament. Felt buoyed by the testimonies shared. A positive message from Sunday school and RS was a task which aimed on us getting to know our fellow sisters so that we can minister well, so a great introduction to the RS sisters. 
 
Such a positive experience, thank you for holding my hand whilst I took my first step.

Thank you everyone for your kind replies.  Your optimism is starting to rub off on me! 
One foot in front of the other and aiming to keep walking into the chapel on Sunday. 

@VelvetShadow If you'd like to read more, you'll find a bunch here: http://middleagedmormonman.com/home/conversion-stories/

Sounds like you've gotten what you can out of Gospel Principles and that you're ready to move on. That's *great* so don't worry about what's 'normal' or what others choose to do - your progress is yours to make. 😊

Sounds like you've gotten what you can out of Gospel Principles and that you're ready to move on. That's *great* so don't worry about what's 'normal' or what others choose to do - your progress is yours to make. 😊

Sounds like you've gotten what you can out of Gospel Principles and that you're ready to move on. That's *great* so don't worry about what's 'normal' or what others choose to do - your progress is yours to make. 😊

If you feel you are ready for the more meatier stuff then go for it.

Welcome to the forum!
My motivation was a little different. It was all about doing awesome in highschool so I didn’t have to pay for college. Which worked cause I get $1500 handed to me every semester for school scholarships I have

Welcome, @Manners Matter!

I loved reading all your stories, thank you all so much, its really encouraging.  I adore how those raised in the mormon church still consider themselves converts, it really speaks to my heart and I think its a wonderful way to approach faith, not just accepting everything because its what you were born into.