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MormonTimes.com: Engaged — but just for the reunion

this is the silliest story imaginable. There is so much phoniness and pretentiouness in the Mormon culture and the pressure to be married and all that when a young person gets back from his mission is so ridiculous. Let people be individuals and who they are. Why have to feel like you have to impress other missionaries and put on a big show.

I agree Anonymous I went to my mission reunion not caring what they thought. I just wanted to check up on old friends. The thought never crossed my mind if I should be driving a BMW or have a handsome guy on my arm. What a ridiculous story.

That's Mortal culture.
The phoniness and pretensiousness at high school & college reunions is nationwide, and involves just a few in every group and age.

Advertisers have made big bucks for decades promising quick weight loss, hairpieces, etc "for the reunion."

Seeking to impress has been with us for millenia. Some people even stay up in the middle of the night to publish why they can look down on others.

I never felt any pressure like that at a mission reunion. I just enjoyred seeing my friends again. The Don would feel the need to do this says nothing about Mormon culture but a lot about Don's insecurity. It's really a strange thing to do.

I never felt like that. How stupid to write something like this. Some arrogant people may feel like this but please... most do not. What a stupid article.

Seriously?
Most of these articles are horrible but this one takes it to a whole new level.

This article was not worth the bandwidth it wastes, what a joke. NOBODY cares if you are engaged at a mission reunion. The Des News sure has gone downhill. Now I am reminded why I don't read it much.

Some people have a difficult time transitioning from childish high school behavior to the adult world. But why would a silly girl want to advertise that she's still a silly girl. It's time to move up, child! And the RM certainly ought to do the same.

This article is right on and cuts to the core of the feelings of every person who attends one of these missionary reunions. Human nature is that we all want to show every other person in the world that we are worthwhile and successful. I know that the Church has placed me in my position as a returned missionary to help guide others less fortunate than myself and that it is my duty to show that the only thing that really matters in this world is the fact that I drive a BMW. How can I truly serve theLord if I am not successful and feel that I am on the same level as every other person in the Church. Some of us have to be examples and some of you have to wake up and realize that there are those of us who truly are better than others spiritually, physically, economically and in every other way. Get used to it. I am more than willing to share my skills with others in the Church and even talk to old missionary companions who aren't as successful as I hoped they would be. I'll see you at the reunion.

There are so many great, or interesting, or inspiring things that could be written about--it you're trying to take the focus off the financial doom and gloom.
This was NOT one of them.

To Ernest T Bass and all the other professional Mormon haters: Most of the articles in Mormon Times are really excellent. This one, unfortunately, was silly. I really am surprised it got published.

This isnt meant to be a hard hitting story. For those of you who go to the Mormon News for that kind of story, its obvious you've only ever lived in Utah. Its a fluff piece enjoy it for what it is. Its just a funny satire. If it was piece on how nice it is to see your friends, this wouldn't have printed. Don't lie either, every one of you cared what people thought at the reunion. To this extreme maybe not, but it was a joke. This piece was perfect for this kind of publication. I have work to do so I'll leave all you cultured Utahans to your citicizing.

amazing journalism

To Calm Down Everyone: That was certainly a patronizing, superior, insulting blog. Whether someone lives in Utah or not has nothing to do with his/her opinion of the article.

You know, the Lord has said, "if you are not one, you are not mine." As members of the Church it is important for us to be united and supporting each other and not putting each down based on where we are from. I hope you will think about this.

My experience with going to missionary reunions was somewhat different. The first few years that I went to them fun and filled with joy at seeing my old friends and companions and renewing the bonds of friendship. The pretensions started later when other people who served later that I did not know started hosting them with the sole purpose of showing off their McMansions and bragging about all their wonderful lives they had been living, etc. I found them rather boorish and quit going.

Sounds like a fun practical joke.
I don't think it was intended to be any more than that.
Otherwise, why let people in on it at the end of the night?

Come on, does everything have to be serious? Lighten up and just enjoy a good story. She didn't say it really happened. Stories are written to enjoy. Who doesn't add a little embellishment to liven things up? If you can't laugh at yourself there's something wrong.

Thanks for your comments.

We should all RISE ABOVE the "human" tendency to
be petty, small minded, insecure, and judgemental.

The GOSPEL (especially at Conference time)
should bring us all together where we all are
moving in a Positive direction. Isn't that
what the Lord, Jesus would want??

There's no need for a "high school re-union"
type mentality here.

Thank You All and God Bless.

Hope you all get some Positive Spiritual Food
from the Conference.

I'm sure we all at one time or another have felt a little unsure of ourselves and worry about out status compared to others, that is not unusual. I've never been to a missionary reunion since I got off my mission back in 1980. Not that I wouldn't have minded renewing old missionary friends, but simply never took the time.
From my perspective now for anyone who wants to go and has time, go and enjoy. If you are doing your best whatever your life's pursuits are and have the light of the gospel or are seeking to the blessings of renewed faith and hope, nothing else should be of concern.

I've never felt the need to flaunt my wealth or success at my annual mission reunion. Most returned missionaries just don't care about the material trappings of life. DISCLAIMER: I drive a BMW and so does my wife. It doesn't mean I am worldly. All it means is that I value safety and reliability in the vehicles that I drive.