Today when I went to church, I got to see an old friend. His name is Scott, and he's one of those people that I've known for a very long time...probably since before kindergarten because we grew up in the same ward. It was really nice to see him and find out what he's doing. He has cute kids, and is moving all over the country because he's in the military.
Anyway, he and I talked about me being single. He said a few things that really made me feel better. First, he said that he couldn't imagine what it would be like to be me...single at thirty-five in Utah. Not, mind you, because it is strange or that there is something wrong with me but because people make such a big deal about it. Then he assured me that I was not weird. Of course, anywhere outside of Utah where the predominant culture is not Mormon, my single status is nothing at all to worry about. He reminded me of that, too. And then he said something that was really comforting and kind. He said that I had nothing to worry about because I have so much going for me. In fact, I believe the phrase was "so much going for you." And so I shouldn't settle.
I can't tell you the relief I felt at hearing that. Of course my close friends and family tell me that. However, hearing it from a male who is a now distant friend made me feel good about myself again. I haven't felt good about me that way for a very long time. That actually makes me sad. But why is it that someone with distance and someone who is male can say that, and suddenly I believe I'm that I'm okay? I guess it is because we feel like close friends and family are obligated to tell us what we want to hear? He wasn't obligated to say any of that. And yet he did. He helped me to feel better about myself. For that, I say thank you, Scott. You have no idea how much good those kind words did me.
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