Reader comments
MormonTimes.com: Engaged — but just for the reunion
82 comments | Read story
- Page:
- < Previous
- 1
- 2
Pig Tales??? | 5:30 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
Pig Tales??? Try "pig tails."
awesomeron | 5:34 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
This is a Flame Board. Understand that when you enter. One of rules is you
cannot directly attack a person. This is where General Reality comes into play.
Plus the words Mostly, Some Of, etc Not the word All. I get about 80% in. I have
found out that you can be very strong and assertive in your point of view if you
stay within the Guide Lines. And the Topic. I think the Mods are very fair
considering.
The story is at best Cute and a Worst Tragic, truth being somewhere in the middle. There would be no reason to write the story as fiction.
The Mods here deal with some heavy Topics that set a lot of people off. However it all the opinion of people who for the most part have the Gospel and Right Living in Common.
The places my Posts wind up on are sometimes very Hostile and I am happy for this Board. I would love to have a Mission Reunion to go to. One of first uses for the Internet was Missionaries looking for one another and Looking to Spread The Gospel. Mormon Link Sites, Mormon Web Ring etc.
The story is at best Cute and a Worst Tragic, truth being somewhere in the middle. There would be no reason to write the story as fiction.
The Mods here deal with some heavy Topics that set a lot of people off. However it all the opinion of people who for the most part have the Gospel and Right Living in Common.
The places my Posts wind up on are sometimes very Hostile and I am happy for this Board. I would love to have a Mission Reunion to go to. One of first uses for the Internet was Missionaries looking for one another and Looking to Spread The Gospel. Mormon Link Sites, Mormon Web Ring etc.
Comments continue below
One of the Ten | 6:24 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
I quite enjoyed the story...and took it for what it was meant to be. It took 2
minutes to read and put a smile on my face. Takes a lot less energy to smile
than complain!
Pacific NW | 6:57 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
I think all reunions bring out some sort of anxiety - will they think I'm
fat? What will they say abotu my baldness? How will I feel if (name) shows up
and is a millionaire?
Whether it's family, school, work, or mission reunions, those thoughts are natural.
I went to two mission reunions (living out of state, it's hard to get down there) and had a blast at both. As my dad used to say, people who tell you how rich or how smart they are are insecure.
I had one guy come up to me to start bragging about being a successful attorney. I indulged him for a minute or two, excused myself and moved on to someone I wanted to talk to.
Whether it's family, school, work, or mission reunions, those thoughts are natural.
I went to two mission reunions (living out of state, it's hard to get down there) and had a blast at both. As my dad used to say, people who tell you how rich or how smart they are are insecure.
I had one guy come up to me to start bragging about being a successful attorney. I indulged him for a minute or two, excused myself and moved on to someone I wanted to talk to.
Anne | 7:38 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
Enter commentIt is sad even if it was meant to be funny. This was a perfect
reflection about our mormon culture--- all about appearance with no substance. I
think it is sad and an embarrassed someone would think this was funny.
T Bowring | 8:01 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
Bryan, (3:04pm)
I have got you beat.
British Mission 1960-62.
Never been to a reunion. Maybe the reason is I lived out of state.
I got to visit with Elder Jeffrey Holland (1961-1963) in the grocery store a few weeks ago and thats as close as I get. He feels like an old friend to me. He was in my ward once. We visited when we flew together on another occassion. So I think he is only one I have reunited with. He is very personable.
I have got you beat.
British Mission 1960-62.
Never been to a reunion. Maybe the reason is I lived out of state.
I got to visit with Elder Jeffrey Holland (1961-1963) in the grocery store a few weeks ago and thats as close as I get. He feels like an old friend to me. He was in my ward once. We visited when we flew together on another occassion. So I think he is only one I have reunited with. He is very personable.
Anonymous | 8:04 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
I remember the first two or three high school reunions were somewhat competitve
with some eager to show off how successful they were. A few years later,
everyone had experienced something awful, whether a divorce, or death or health
issues or financial downturns or wayward kids.....then everyone was just glad to
see each other. Who cares what your career is or how big your house is. I do
think it's sad that a 23 year old feels embarassed he's still single.
My 22 year old RM son recently broke off an engagement to a Temple worthy young
lady because it was the right thing to do. I'm very glad he did. I'm
hopeful he'll find a wonderful and worthy wife someday, hopefully sooner
than later, but when the time is right for both of them.
Seth | 8:08 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
Too funny! To the last poster, Anne... When you can spell or articulate a
sentence well maybe you should comment. Nothing wrong with the LDS culture as it
seems pretty stable and rightious from my view. Maybe something wrong with you?
You should not speak of which you do not know, I would not doubt if you were not
an anti in saints clothing.
Well written | 8:11 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
This short story was so cleverly written. Well done!
I have never felt any pressure at all at any of my many reunions. I actually feel rather free there--like I am with a group of trusted, true friends who love me for what I am and can still become.
I have never felt any pressure at all at any of my many reunions. I actually feel rather free there--like I am with a group of trusted, true friends who love me for what I am and can still become.
"2:33" again | 8:14 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
Rather than call out the handful of people who've quite childishly called
me names and judged me, may I point out that you're betraying your own
ignorance and lack of maturity. Not that that bothers me--you're actually
amusing me immensely. So by all means, continue! Please keep calling me uptight
and telling me to get a sense of humor! You have no idea, people. No idea. :)
Moreover, to all the others on this board who've likewise called this article an embarrassment and a travesty--THANK YOU. You've restored my faith in humanity.
How pitiful is it that there are people among us spending two years preaching a gospel of peace--then returning to try to impress others with how wealthy, important, and attractive they are?
If asking that question makes me "uptight" and humorless--so be it. As I said, please feel free to continue amusing me! :)
Moreover, to all the others on this board who've likewise called this article an embarrassment and a travesty--THANK YOU. You've restored my faith in humanity.
How pitiful is it that there are people among us spending two years preaching a gospel of peace--then returning to try to impress others with how wealthy, important, and attractive they are?
If asking that question makes me "uptight" and humorless--so be it. As I said, please feel free to continue amusing me! :)
RE: Seth | 8:42 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
Uh, Seth, about the spelling issue: "rightious"?
Pots and kettles?
Pots and kettles?
Richard Trijillo | 9:47 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
I can not believe that this article would upset so many people. For those who
didn't get it, this article was meant to be funny. I don't really
think that the boy was trying to impress everyone or worried about his status.
It's obvious by him telling his close friends the truth that it was meant
as a joke, not to impress everyone. Everyone take a deep breath, read the
article again, and take the article for what it is: a little humor about the
Mormon culture.
Les | 9:47 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
You mormons are a hoot! I read the LDS newswire vs. the funnies to get my
entertainment. When you try to be funny it is awkwardly laughable. When you
attempt to be serious and pius it is dramatically comical. I enjoy the musings.
But most of all I get a kick on the mormon on mormon infighting on the comments.
You all make my day and add a lighter side to my otherwise logical and realistic
life. Just my opinion but mormons really need some balance in life.
Peggy | 10:44 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
What a delightful article! The writer takes a common Mormon experience - a
reunion - and pokes gentle fun at everyone including herself. Molly and Don are
not insecure kids but young adults who know who they are and can laugh at the
uncomfortable situations most young people their age find themselves in.
I thought this was a really humorous example of satire at its best. I hope Deseret News continues to print articles where we all can smile at some of the quirks of Mormon culture.
I thought this was a really humorous example of satire at its best. I hope Deseret News continues to print articles where we all can smile at some of the quirks of Mormon culture.
re: wisdom @ 2:50 | 10:48 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
Wow! Quoting the Bard!
So, many people have touched on the unimplied pressure but subtle guilt trip issue so prevalent behind the ZC.
The novel "Interpretation of Murder" has an interesting that very quote; >>not to be<< is throwing up a smokescreen i.e faking it... don't even get me started about the Seether song. lol?
So, many people have touched on the unimplied pressure but subtle guilt trip issue so prevalent behind the ZC.
The novel "Interpretation of Murder" has an interesting that very quote; >>not to be<< is throwing up a smokescreen i.e faking it... don't even get me started about the Seether song. lol?
chuckle chuckle | 10:51 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008
what's the ONLY thing worse than spending two years getting abused by your
president, leaders, members, and investigators on a mission?
mission reunions.
mission reunions.
Anti-PC Infidel | 1:47 a.m. Oct. 1, 2008
>You mormons are a hoot!
Most of the posters aren't Mormons. They're just trolls.
Most of the posters aren't Mormons. They're just trolls.
Heath | 9:45 a.m. Oct. 1, 2008
I liked it. Really great journalism. The story was meant to be funny. And the
two that pulled it off, amazing.
Hey, I Have An Idea! | 1:52 p.m. Oct. 1, 2008
Why don't we all stop judging each other?
OK, some of you laughed and found it funny. You had your reasons. And I'm sure you didn't lose your eternal salvation or anything.
OK, some of you thought this article was horrible. You also had your reasons. Your hope of eternal salvation is probably in more or less the same state as it was before, too.
Different people will read things differently, and laugh at different things. Does it make any of you evil? No. Hey, I'm married to a person who thinks "Singles Ward" is one of the funniest films ever made. I happen to think it's a cheesy piece of trash. But we're still married anyway. There are more important things in life and beyond to worry about!
So enough accusing people of being shallow and materialistic on the one hand and uptight and sanctimonious on the other. None of you know who each other really are.
Bottom line: Enough rash judgment, please and thank you!
OK, some of you laughed and found it funny. You had your reasons. And I'm sure you didn't lose your eternal salvation or anything.
OK, some of you thought this article was horrible. You also had your reasons. Your hope of eternal salvation is probably in more or less the same state as it was before, too.
Different people will read things differently, and laugh at different things. Does it make any of you evil? No. Hey, I'm married to a person who thinks "Singles Ward" is one of the funniest films ever made. I happen to think it's a cheesy piece of trash. But we're still married anyway. There are more important things in life and beyond to worry about!
So enough accusing people of being shallow and materialistic on the one hand and uptight and sanctimonious on the other. None of you know who each other really are.
Bottom line: Enough rash judgment, please and thank you!
Ernest T. Bass | 2:42 p.m. Oct. 1, 2008
To John & ETBass:
You have it all wrong. When did I make anit comments and when did I mention anything about redistribution of wealth (which, by the way, is what the law of consecration does)?
I want specific references.
You have it all wrong. When did I make anit comments and when did I mention anything about redistribution of wealth (which, by the way, is what the law of consecration does)?
I want specific references.
We were there | 3:09 p.m. Oct. 1, 2008
I was actually in the MTC with Don and no he does not have serious insecurities
just a good sense of humor. You people need to calm down and the fact that most
of you get so worked up about a little joke like this tells me more about you
than it does Don. For this same reason, how you get all worked up over little
jokes, you are probably still single and mad/jealous of people at your mission
reunions. Take a joke and yes Don I still laugh about that night whenever I
think of it. Good times/memories.
Don is my hero | 3:16 p.m. Oct. 1, 2008
I am one of Don's good friends and I as there for the reunion. It was
hilarious and no he didn't do it to look good or for status he did it for a
laugh. I'm guessing the people who didn't laugh about it are the same
ignorant people that will vote for Barack Husein Obama.
Tammy | 4:52 p.m. Oct. 1, 2008
ETB, if you have been judged and found guilty by the great and mighty (and
omniscient) John Pack Lambert, then there can be no question about how unworthy
and horrible a person you must be.
Lambert is NEVER wrong...
...except when he places his fingers on the keyboard!
Cheers!
Lambert is NEVER wrong...
...except when he places his fingers on the keyboard!
Cheers!
Amazed | 5:08 p.m. Oct. 1, 2008
As the mother of a boy....23 and just getting engaged....getting the ring
tomorrow...Conference weekend...I must say, I read this funny, light,
entertaining piece and it made me laugh. I'm so sorry that everyone is
nitpicking....but my, oh my, I'm blown away by the anger and strong
opinions so many have exhorted against the writer, the press and the Church.
Really,it says more about them than this article. Relax!
Lil | 11:06 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Lighten Up Deseret News Readers! Kudos to Don for finding an amusing way to
spend a long evening, enduring repeated, mundane conversations of "remember
when" with people from the "best two years of his life!"
Like Molly, I too have been "arm candy" at my husband�s mission reunions and like with most 20somethings, it was a lot about status, looks, and whose wife is prettier, educated or better yet, pregnant (bonus!) I must say I still remember the full-of-himself Elder who, even years later, kept referring to himself as the "Assistant to the Mission President!� Yes, status seekers are alive and well within the LDS membership!
This article is well written, entertaining, and it made me smile when I read it. But I really began chuckling when I read the distressed and woe-unto-Zion comments from those who don't seem to realize that LDS Mission Reunions are a unique, micro-culture phenomenon that rarely occur outside their native habitat, namely the SLC and Utah Valleys and Rexburg.
Enjoy Mission Reunions for what they do best - provide hours and hours of fodder for family fun and laughter while riding home in the car! Rejoice, All is Well.
Like Molly, I too have been "arm candy" at my husband�s mission reunions and like with most 20somethings, it was a lot about status, looks, and whose wife is prettier, educated or better yet, pregnant (bonus!) I must say I still remember the full-of-himself Elder who, even years later, kept referring to himself as the "Assistant to the Mission President!� Yes, status seekers are alive and well within the LDS membership!
This article is well written, entertaining, and it made me smile when I read it. But I really began chuckling when I read the distressed and woe-unto-Zion comments from those who don't seem to realize that LDS Mission Reunions are a unique, micro-culture phenomenon that rarely occur outside their native habitat, namely the SLC and Utah Valleys and Rexburg.
Enjoy Mission Reunions for what they do best - provide hours and hours of fodder for family fun and laughter while riding home in the car! Rejoice, All is Well.
RE: Lil from "2:33" | 1:41 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Lil, I appreciate your perspective, but I think in a way, you actually show why
some dismayed commenters (including me) had a problem with this article. Several
points:
1) No matter how you look at it, status-seeking is out of place in a Gospel-centered life. What's faintly-to-very disturbing is that it's being celebrated here instead.
2) The need for "arm candy"--and the willingness of LDS women to comply--speaks to a pitiful need for self-validation and other-validation in Mormon culture. Sure, that's funny for people who don't see it as tragic, if not pathological. What are we doing to each other by trying to show that since our worthy missions, God has blessed us with a Ten-Cow Wife and a BMW?
3) The "distressed" comments on here are people who have every right to their opinion and feel that way for a reason. I can't speak for everyone, but I have realized through hard life experience that I'm not perfect, that I don't need to appear perfect for others, and that God understands that. Perfection is a process and goal. We're not there yet.
4) I hope you don't mean "all is well in Zion"? Elaborate?
Thanks, Lil!
1) No matter how you look at it, status-seeking is out of place in a Gospel-centered life. What's faintly-to-very disturbing is that it's being celebrated here instead.
2) The need for "arm candy"--and the willingness of LDS women to comply--speaks to a pitiful need for self-validation and other-validation in Mormon culture. Sure, that's funny for people who don't see it as tragic, if not pathological. What are we doing to each other by trying to show that since our worthy missions, God has blessed us with a Ten-Cow Wife and a BMW?
3) The "distressed" comments on here are people who have every right to their opinion and feel that way for a reason. I can't speak for everyone, but I have realized through hard life experience that I'm not perfect, that I don't need to appear perfect for others, and that God understands that. Perfection is a process and goal. We're not there yet.
4) I hope you don't mean "all is well in Zion"? Elaborate?
Thanks, Lil!
Tag - You're It! | 4:28 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
To RE:Lil from 2:33,
Thank you for the remarks.
Just a few pointy clarifications:
A)Status is the on-going assessment of how you view/evaluate your progress toward a desired outcome such as a gospel-centered life. Perhaps you should check your "status" rather than announce you have already arrived.
B)I feel a pitiful and pathological need to confess that as a professional woman, I too have used my husband as arm candy! I have also used him to validate my parking! While he has not blessed him as you described above, my husband does enjoy the eternal companionship of a four-cat wife and drives an SUV.
C) Perfection .... see A.
D) All is well in my Zion. Yours seems a little shaken. You may need to do a status check.
Have a good day - seriously!
Thank you for the remarks.
Just a few pointy clarifications:
A)Status is the on-going assessment of how you view/evaluate your progress toward a desired outcome such as a gospel-centered life. Perhaps you should check your "status" rather than announce you have already arrived.
B)I feel a pitiful and pathological need to confess that as a professional woman, I too have used my husband as arm candy! I have also used him to validate my parking! While he has not blessed him as you described above, my husband does enjoy the eternal companionship of a four-cat wife and drives an SUV.
C) Perfection .... see A.
D) All is well in my Zion. Yours seems a little shaken. You may need to do a status check.
Have a good day - seriously!
To Lil from 2:33 :) | 5:26 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
Hm. Lil, thanks for the kindness and civil tone. All too often, these exchanges
degenerate. Good sense of humor, too--much appreciated!
Really, I've not arrived anywhere--except for realizing my own imperfections and the need to center myself in the Gospel (my "status," yes) :) rather than trying to impress other people. But language isn't a perfect medium, so some misunderstanding's inevitable.
I'm simply concerned about how we see and "use" other people, both in the world at large and how we bring that world into Mormon culture. But I'll concede: I'm not sure how to express those concerns any more clearly than I already have. Bottom line: I just think it's wrong to "use" anyone else for any reason--even if a good friend or spouse. I have my reasons--LONG story. :)
As for all being well in Zion--you could say my Zion needs work, sure. (Believe me, the status checks are ongoing!) :) But so does OURS. We haven't arrived, and the world is still too much with us. See 2nd Nephi 28, especially vs. 24-25, for more info. Probably not how you meant the phrase, but still food for thought.
Have a great day, too! Thanks again!
Really, I've not arrived anywhere--except for realizing my own imperfections and the need to center myself in the Gospel (my "status," yes) :) rather than trying to impress other people. But language isn't a perfect medium, so some misunderstanding's inevitable.
I'm simply concerned about how we see and "use" other people, both in the world at large and how we bring that world into Mormon culture. But I'll concede: I'm not sure how to express those concerns any more clearly than I already have. Bottom line: I just think it's wrong to "use" anyone else for any reason--even if a good friend or spouse. I have my reasons--LONG story. :)
As for all being well in Zion--you could say my Zion needs work, sure. (Believe me, the status checks are ongoing!) :) But so does OURS. We haven't arrived, and the world is still too much with us. See 2nd Nephi 28, especially vs. 24-25, for more info. Probably not how you meant the phrase, but still food for thought.
Have a great day, too! Thanks again!
Last tag | 7:03 p.m. Oct. 2, 2008
No one was "used" in the article about Don and his trophy
fianc�e. Indeed, Don and Molly were using their
participation at the Mission Reunion to laugh at themselves and the insular
experience that is a Mission Reunion . It's a Mission Reunion! - not a
meeting that requires reverence children, white shirts, and ward business.
It's a Mission Reunion!
"All is Well" is the last stanza from my favorite LDS hymn. It's a simple, comforting phrase and I didn't mean anything subversive by it. Thanks for citing scripture that causes me to doubt this simple phrase and make me rethink my entire universe! But then, I only attended Mission Reunions as arm candy.
I am just grateful these two knuckleheads didn't "use" similar tactics at a truly spiritual event, like a BYU vs Utah football game! You are correct in your caution of being too much in the world. This could lead to mass hysteria and the demise of the 3 hour meeting schedule as we know it. For additional food for thought, see 1Nephi 2:15. Oops, the VP debate is on, gotta go!
"All is Well" is the last stanza from my favorite LDS hymn. It's a simple, comforting phrase and I didn't mean anything subversive by it. Thanks for citing scripture that causes me to doubt this simple phrase and make me rethink my entire universe! But then, I only attended Mission Reunions as arm candy.
I am just grateful these two knuckleheads didn't "use" similar tactics at a truly spiritual event, like a BYU vs Utah football game! You are correct in your caution of being too much in the world. This could lead to mass hysteria and the demise of the 3 hour meeting schedule as we know it. For additional food for thought, see 1Nephi 2:15. Oops, the VP debate is on, gotta go!
Former Filipina | 4:12 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
What a funny story! I am wondering if this Don Character is the same Don I knew
a few years back. He talked a friend of mine into doing the same thing for his
high school reunion. Sounds like this guy could make a movie similar to the
Wedding Crashers.....Maybe call it the Engagement faker.
steve | 5:40 p.m. Oct. 9, 2008
I think this is hilarious even though I bet tons of returned missionaries do it.
- Page:
- < Previous
- 1
- 2
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
This $12.95 ring purchased that day drew some not-so-genuine reactions during an engagement hoax at a mission reunion.
- Saints march toward NFL history 10:52 p.m.
- World datelines 10:51 p.m.
- Brewer logs 42 minutes in win 10:51 p.m.
- Police seek 2 men after vehicle theft 10:44 p.m.
- 2 arrested in robbery, road-rage flap 10:43 p.m.
- Sports briefs 10:43 p.m.
- Deane enjoying time at Oregon St. 10:29 p.m.
- Man arrested in screwdriver attack 10:29 p.m.
- Police suspect same man in thefts 10:28 p.m.
- Provo fire displaces 4 families 10:27 p.m.
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
- Y. student vanished in China
- Max Hall issues apology
- Utes won't respond to Hall
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
- Cougs begin bowl preparations
- Boy shot following traffic stop
- Mitchell called intelligent, controlling
- Matthews passes new Jazz tests
- U. eyes bowl for redemption
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
898 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime481
- Max Hall issues apology378
- Hall reprimanded by MWC370
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal312
- Utes won't respond to Hall256
- BYU is champion of the state140
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies121
- Cave to be sealed with body inside119
- Religion in politics is tiresome110
There's a chance the BYU Cougars could be without the services of...
Latest comments
Guess whos back. Ya South Sevier owns basketball this year. They will be...
Every Ute Down in U-ville Liked Utah a lot . . . But the Max, Who lived just...
Re: "Doug G | 8:36": I agree. Well said.
I am simply amazed at the audacity of those who have been railing on Max....
Linus said it best when he said "There are three things you don't discuss...
Just waiting for the relapse, ai is going to philadelphia, another missed...
I agree with John Gillmore, as most sensible people and U and BYU fans will,...
Where was this "fire" and rage before the game ? Would the words have been as...
I have taken enough abuse from my non-Ute basketball friends to last a...
Go Aggies Go Aggies hey hey hey.
Advertisements
To the overly uptight LDS crowd....take a chill pill. Again, the guy came clean and told his friends. Surely it was his friends that he wanted to impress the most and they're the ones he told the truth to.
To those that think this was a waste of a story....come on, there's all kind of "fluff" stories in all kinds of media outlets. Some stuff is just kind of fun to read.
Nobody killed anyone, accused anyone of killing anyone or did anything illegal, immoral or fattening.
And I thought I was uptight.....