Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Love and Marriage

I joke a lot that I just want to get laid. About how I want to get married, so I can get laid. I joke about it probably too much.

But, the reality of the situation is this: sure, I want to have sex. But, more than that, I want someone to wake up next to; or curl up with as I drift off to sleep. I want to roll over in my sleep in the dead of night and have my sweetheart there, breathing rhythmically in his sleep. I want the intimacy that can only be found in a long term committed relationship. I want stupid fights followed by tender apologies. I want to be able to stop wanting.

Graduation

Well, it finally happened, I made it to 31 unmarried. That means a lot of things, one of which is that I had to change wards. See, from 18-31 we have "Singles Wards" where unmarried members can go to meet together and hopefully get married. When you turn 31 they kick you out and make you go to a "Family Ward" (which amounts to normal church where some people are married, some aren't, and the ages range from newly weds to nearly deads and and some kids tossed in the mix). Some people think it's weird or sad or unfortunate or cruel; but the fact of the matter is: I appreciate it. At 30 I was older than everyone in my ward, which means, all the guys were younger than I. I don't mind a few years, but a 31 year old girl hitting on a 22 year old guy just gets creepy. Similarly with a 31 year old guy and a 22 year old girl. It's just better all around.

In the vernacular we like to say that those who turn 31 and are single "graduate" or (the more bitter graduates) "flunked out". Since I don't define myself by my marital status, "graduate" just sounds more positive, so I'll take it.

On my first Sunday in my new ward they asked me to introduce myself, and I complied. I think I'm the first single they've had join the ward in a long time, as they were all unfamiliar with the term.

I'm excited for the new ward, I think I've moved past the singles' ward and am in a new spot in my life. Ready and eager for what the world has to offer.