::what i learned::

Last night we had the opportunity for our home teachers to come over and visit. They are pretty awesome. Last night, for the lesson, they brought over the New Era. This is basically a church magazine dedicated to LDS young men and young women and features stories they write in and their opinions.

Of course the article was on dating. This is favorite topic among teens and young adults. Everyone has an opinion, everyone thinks theirs is right, and nobody wants to actually do it. And that's okay. I believe dating is a challenge for everyone to overcome. Sometimes it is a fun challenge, and sometimes it is, well, a nightmare. Nobody is perfect.

Naturally we were all delighted with the choice and knew we were in for a treat. Little did we know the pearls and tidbits of wisdom that were going to be passed on to us.

Now I want to share some of the advice with you.

What Girls Wish Guys Knew

• • We don’t like them doing weird things, trying to show off.

• • Most girls like a good, clean sense of humor in a guy.

• • We really respect a thorough immersion in the gospel. We like it when guys are really interested in the scriptures, say prayers, participate at church, and respect their priesthood.

• • We really like it when they sing the hymns.

• • It’s all right for guys to cry during their testimonies.

• • Wear a suit to church. It makes you look nice.

• • We really like it when guys are gentlemanly and respectful.

• • We like it when you just try to be our friend.

• • We interpret feelings and emotions differently than you do.

• • When we’re spending a lot of time on our hair and our makeup, it’s for you. It’s not because we’re vain. Well, sometimes it is, but not usually.

• • Kindness is more attractive than looks. We like it when guys are genuinely kind. Rudeness is not cool.

• • Little things like opening doors and carrying books can go a long way.

What Guys Wish Girls Knew

• • When we’re trying to show off, we mean it in a good way. We’re just trying to impress you.

• • We can be mature if we want to be.

• • We don’t need to be funny all of the time.

• • We don’t text 24/7, so if we don’t answer right away, don’t be offended.

• • We like you for who you are, and you don’t have to be someone you’re not, like wear tons of makeup or not be yourself.

• • You don’t need to spend hours just getting ready for a date. We already think you’re pretty.

• • It makes us feel better when our dates are dressed modestly. And we are more comfortable talking to girls who are dressed modestly. It shows us they have respect for themselves.

• • We like it when girls actually eat when we go out with them.

• • We don’t always mean everything we say; we joke around a lot. We don’t mean to offend anyone.

• • We like girls who are really kind and compassionate to everyone.

• We like it when girls ask us if we are going to an activity. It motivates us to go.

• We can be as into the gospel as you are, but we may not show it on the outside.

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Wow.

I think you may need another minute to reflect on these tidings...

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I don't think anything else really needs to be added. I will carry this advice with me for the rest of my life.

However, men, if you could do me a favor and let me know when you do mean what you say that will be so helpful.

In return, I promise to work on when I am sometimes vain.

Needless to say I about fell off the couch laughing. This just goes to show that dating changes a lot after high school!

Great home teaching message! Thanks guys.