1 + 1 = 3

Ever been in a relationship in the Mormon Middle Singles Program? Ever noticed how people cannot seem to leave the two of you alone? Ever noticed how people are giving too much unsolicited advice? Ever noticed how those who do not have anything going on in their life take over yours? Ever noticed how those who have no success at having a relationship tell you how to have yours? Ever noticed how those who are uncomfortable with happiness tend to discourage it? Ever noticed how those who know nothing about you tell you what you want and need? Ever noticed how sometimes you just want to run and hide but there is no where to go because we are such a tight knit community? Ever wondered why that budding relationship failed? Ever thought that it was not you or the other person but the jealous people who ruined it? Ever thought that maybe you should keep your mouth shut when you meet someone and turn to the Lord and let it grow naturally, then tell everyone what you two have decided all on your own with the help of the Spirit? Ever wondered how many relationships might have succeeded into great marriages if they were never gossiped about and discussed like the hottest topics? Ever wondered how many relationships you have destroyed through jealousy yourself? I have. I almost ruined one. Luckily, I stepped back and let it grow. I did not let my own low self-esteem ruin someone elses because that would just make me feel worse. Plus, I'd have to repent of it later.

One plus one does equal three when the third person in a relationship is the Lord. If it is your friend, co-worker, or family member, please take into account their own successes and their own opinions. Are they yours? Do they really know what is in your heart? Do you have the vocabulary and the experience at saying precisely what is in your heart so they will not misconstrue anything? Do you have that ability at telling the other side without prejudice? Or is the Lord the only One who knows both your heart and theirs and also knows the past, present and future and what will truly bring you happiness? I say, let the relationship be less crowded so it is not confusing. When you have so many opinions coming at you, you probably forget what yours is and then you forget the tighness in your gut when you speak to your special someone. You forget the butterflies in your stomache when you answer they phone and hear their voice. You lose the special things that are only between the two of you which create a Oneness required for a solid foundation. Make things more simple and trust the only One who can help you. Take a chance. The spirit will tell you if their is aught amiss and protect you if you believe. I know this to be true.

Give yourself a chance. Stop wasting time. Make your own decisions. Know your own heart. I know it's scary, but so is everything the first time you do it. Good luck. Do not tell me how it goes until you know what you want and only ask for my congratulations.