Scarcely after you finish unpacking your mildewy suitcase and distributing the last of the stuffed llamas, crèche displays, flags, and other souvenirs, you receive a message in your re-activated Facebook and e-mail accounts notifying you of a mission reunion.
“Wow” you say “I really miss my fellow laborers its been like three weeks.” But subconsciously you know you’re not that exited to see Sister/Elder Jones. In reality your excited because Sister/Elder Jones are the only people that won’t have to stop for a few seconds to remember your name. That aside, let’s assume you venture into this murky, Twilight Zone.
Now the dilemma. To bring a date or not to bring a date — that is the question. Let me point out the three obvious choices and the subtle implications of those decisions.
First, you can go in the unaffiliated fashion. This is safe. It tells your former colleagues that you play things slow and safe. Lone wolf works well but if your mission president was a “type-a personality” he may construe this as a sign of weakness. “What? Three weeks home and they don’t have a date?” Okay, that’s a stretch but if your mission reputation was based on boldness you are feeling the heat.
Second, you could show up with some of your former companions. Again a safe option. You can work the crowd and at the end of the night not have to drive home by yourself. However, the drawbacks are similar to showing up solo.
Third, you can bring a date. This option is fraught with perils.
Pitfall: your victim, uh date, will be bored out of their mind wishing you were still on a mission as you swap war stories.
Pitfall: Expectations. Yes people will think you are engaged about to become engaged or married.
Pitfall: Ego. Yes, your ego survived the mission and is stronger than ever. Herein lies the most deadly of errors. You might be tempted to ask out the most beautiful person you can find. Why would you do such a thing? You tell me. It’s your ego that is running amok. Now I think pretty highly of you (you are attending the RMTC) so this next bit doesn’t apply to you. My sources tell me that some RMs are renting dates! Yes that’s right.* I won’t insult your intelligence by laying out the hazards on this one. But please, call those RMs who are not as strong as you, and offer them a ride to the reunion.
*Our source has left the country, actually the planet, and will not be able to verify this information.
No comments:
Post a Comment