I am worried I won't be able to give him my everything, and the wonderful years of commitment and time spent with him will one day only be memories: Becoming a doctor is my dream, and I have worked incredibly hard thus far. Her church is more important to her than you are ever will beplain and simple. I'm dating a lovely guy who is in his first year of medical residency. All faiths have vocabulary unique to them. We have been together for around three years and I feel like now more than ever he expects me to just do things his way and not have an opinion. I have given up my career to stay with the kids and lonely is most cetainly my new reality. I'm not so sure. Good luck to you and your boyfriend. Maybe he thinks it wouldn't be a bad idea to cheat - these women understand him.
I grew up in Utah, attended BYU, and served a mission. Yes, do sever the relationship. In my experience, life-long member, many Mormons have difficulty thinking outside the box, and putting forth effort to inclue and love. We talked about getting married early in our relationship since we had known each other forever. God works by small and simple means to bring about His great and eternal purposes. The important part of finding a partner to marry does not, in my opinion, revolve around whether or not you are of the same religion. My experience has been that personal similarities and differences are a bigger element than cultural differences. And the fact that he didn't respond for two days was confirmation for myself that I did the right thing.
The history of racism and violence is upsetting. If you can only think of alcohol and coffee for a good time, you're very disappointed. Mormonism is not meant to be a casual part of a Mormon's life but it is meant to be the center. I have known many women who have married non-members and are happy. Females are not expected to serve and MOST of the girls that do, only do so because they do not have a suitable read: If your GF is an attractive girl and still ended up on a mission then she is about as fanatical as they come and if she isn't already she will be slowly trying to convert you. I'd at least insist that at 12 the kids can choose to disaffiliate. She never mentioned TSCC. If it is already an issue in your relationship, then it'll amplify to an extreme if you get married. I agree with what you and so many of the other replies have said: Listen with an open heart and curiosity.
I have been married to a doctor for 5 years now and we have two children. I'll bring up some CES letter issues, let her know why I wouldn't want my children raised like this, and we'll see what happens. I never thought fellowship would be worse than residency and boy was I wrong. Because you are a good person, you will recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost and know that the church is true. I'd just like to add that unless you're happy being with her as a full believing Mormon, don't stick around in the hopes that she'll de-convert. And of course we have been taughtвby Brigham Young, at leastвthat even when Christ comes during the Millenium there will be those who will not accept him as their Savior even if they accept him as the leader of the world. I thought it was beautiful that they included him in the circle, even though he was not a Priesthood holder. Marriage to the wrong person is extremely difficult.
