How can I enjoy staying?

[Anonymous]

Heber13 wrote:

Beefster, as you tolerated that last year, did you have a calling?

I was part of the “munch and mingle” committee. It was pretty fun and it wasn’t totally brainless. I kept pushing to get actual meals instead of the lazy stuff the leader wanted to do. Not all YSA-ward-only callings are that meaningful. The calling did take the edge off things, but I usually ran away to my apartment after everything started.

[Anonymous]

nibbler wrote:

church is mostly for extroverts by extroverts.

I would say this is true for almost everything about the church. The temple is usually a refuge for introverts, but it depends. Then you look at YSA wards, which are extraversion-obsessed: 3+ activities a week, linger longers (in some wards), marriage/dating talks on a regular basis… They mean well, but it does get kinda annoying at times.

Missions and most other church programs are built with the extravert in mind- sometimes so much so that it makes introverts feel disadvantaged at best and like worthless sinners at worst. There is an intense amount of pressure on us, introverts, to interact socially far beyond our preferences or capacity. Sure, it’s good to get out of your comfort zone from time to time, but that can definitely be taken to an extreme.

Imagine trying to exert mission-level extraversion for more than 2 years straight… If you’re an introvert, you will be burned out.

[Anonymous]

I apologize for not responding quickly to your timely replies. I appreciate all of the advice I have received on this thread. I’d like to give an update on my situation and reply to some of the questions I received.

I have greatly reduced my time I devote to church. Possible too much, but I feel good about it. My wife is a TBM, however she doesn’t like to attend church very much. Her lack of desire to attend church has made this process smooth. She knows of my situation and is okay with me figuring stuff out. We are moving soon and the bishop knows this (us moving is unrelated to my FC), this has greatly taken the pressure off from my calling. The bishop has called someone to replace me but has not released me yet.

Dande48 asked me why I choose to stay

The only reasons why I stay are:

My wife

Ecclesiastical endorsement

I can list off other benefits that I receive from the church but I would be lying to you if I said it was why I stayed. The church has greatly benefited my life, I hope to not come across ungrateful.

In response to what orson brought up about the few doubts I listed. I appreciate the condensed response to my doubts. It is helpful to hear how you have dealt with those issues. I have further comments on them but I will most likely post those in general discussion.

Thank you all again for commenting on my thread. I read all the comments several times after they were posted. Only a few people know about my FC and nobody knows how bad it really is. It is comforting to know that there are others who have or are going through similar situations. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Trailblazer,

you are welcome to participate as often as you find needful and that fits your schedule.

I was just thinking on your name and how in some ways each of us with a FC can be a trailblazer or pioneer walking the difficult and sometimes lonely path that is less traveled (by our immediate support community).

:thumbup:

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