Gramps,
I have a boyfriend who is considering going on a mission soon. I am afraid a great deal about what is going to happen but the most bothersome thing about it is what if he changes? What’s the probability of him completely changing and falling for another woman when he comes back?
Thea
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Thea,
Yes, how difficult this must be for young people who experience strong feelings for a young man or young woman and then they go, or are preparing to go on a mission.
One of my favorite scriptures is 2 Timothy 1:7 which allows us to understand that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love and power and a sound mind.
I would assume it really depends upon the change he goes through. He will have experiences that will change him spiritually. This is a good thing. I unfortunately could not tell you the probability of him falling in love with another woman when he returns. I also could not tell you the probability of you falling in love with another man before he returns home.
At my age, I have witnessed couples after one returns home from a mission getting engaged and then they were married in the temple. I have witnessed couples who begin dating, recognize they are great friends but not marriage partners. I have witnessed, the Dear Jane and Dear Johns from both male and female friends.
I would encourage you to live your life. Date other young man, choose to not worry, and continue to progress spiritually remembering that the Lord has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Gramps
