Setting Each Other Free

Dear Bro. Jo,

I'm 18 and so is my boyfriend.  We've been dating for a few months now and he's due to get his mission call in about two weeks or so.  We've gotten really close and I want the best for him. We already agreed to suspend our romantic ties from right before he leaves until after his mission so he could focus on his mission.  Also, we have done scripture study together and have a plan to read the Book of Mormon together before he leaves. He's truly a great guy and will be a fantastic missionary. But, what I could do to better support him in his mission?

Thanks,

- Miss Dot




Dear Miss Dot,

I think the best thing you could do is as you've suggested:  break up with him before he leaves.  (As soon as he gets his call is best.  Heck, you should probably break up now since his papers are already in.) 

I don't think you should be acting like married people and doing scripture study together.

And while I think it would be nice to write him every 2-3 months to ask how the mission is going, I think you should be open to dating other guys.

Yes, sometimes we end up eternally happy with the person we dated before they left for two years, but most of the time it doesn't work out.  So the best thing you can both do for each other is to set each other free.

- Bro Jo