#52131 over-enthused home teachers

vorpal blade · Post by **vorpal blade** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 1:49 pm

A question was asked by someone who called himself or herself "The Black Sheep." Claudio gave a rather harsh answer. I was just wondering if the question was asked by the same Black Sheep who writes for the Board.

luxurious · Post by **luxurious** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 2:11 pm

You know what, I think it is the same person, Vorpal Blade.

And I agree with the assessment of Claudio's answer. I don't necessarily agree with Claudio himself, but at least he was man enough to give it the old college try. Let's hope The Black Sheep and Claudio are good enough friends to get over that hump of an honest opinion. And if not, we have a good ol' writer feud to look forward to.

TheBlackSheep · Post by **TheBlackSheep** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 2:36 pm

Yes, I sent in that question. And hey, now we have proof that when writers come off as harsh in an answer, they don't do it purely because they're talking to an anonymous someone over the internet.

Nanti-SARRMM · Post by **Nanti-SARRMM** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 3:29 pm

You could always just tell them that you have decided to apostatize and that they are welcome to join you if they wish.

If nothing else you get to laugh at their reactions.

vorpal blade · Post by **vorpal blade** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 4:23 pm

Dear Black Sheep,

I feel inspiried to tell you that you should get each of your home teachers a shirt that says "Mormon Democrat" in white over a black sheep. Tell them only that you would be more comfortable with their visits, and attending their social functions, if you saw them wearing that shirt each time you saw them again.

Love,

Vorpal, who hopes he isn't struck with lightning for writing that.

NerdGirl · Post by **NerdGirl** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:17 pm

I think a combination of Vorpal's and Nanti's suggestions could be quite entertaining!

Whistler · Post by **Whistler** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:27 pm

I think their suggestions are unhelpful. An honest "thanks, but no thanks" might work.

vorpal blade · Post by **vorpal blade** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:52 pm

Oh come on, Whistler. Quit being a spoilsport.

Nanti-SARRMM · Post by **Nanti-SARRMM** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 6:45 pm

Whistler wrote:I think their suggestions are unhelpful. An honest "thanks, but no thanks" might work.

We could suggest, I dunno, Murder. That will stop their pestering.

But there's no fun in just "No thanks", I mean Black Sheep has already let them know she's busy and all that, so why not have fun with it? Hopefully they'll have a sense of humor about it as well.

Another suggestion Black Sheep, is just to talk to them them, thanking them for their concern for your spiritual welfare, and say that while you do appreciate their efforts to redeem you, you do have a testimony of the Gospel and all, and ask if they could tone down their invitations to everything that goes on.

Or you could bring a friend or two of yours that you visit to a ward activity to socialize a bit and help alleviate the concerns.

As Claudio did say, they are just fulfilling their calling and most likely don't know how you feel about the constant involvement, so you should probably let them know. A hint or two could be dropped about not wanting to go because of their nagging. Cause the last thing they would want is to push you off the edge.

And if all else fails, go for the hilarity.

TheBlackSheep · Post by **TheBlackSheep** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 1:43 am

Murder might work, and I briefly considered it before sending in the question (I pulled a lot of punches when describing these guys, or, well, one of them in particular). Don't tell them though, as I really do like them a lot as people. And thanks for the silly suggestions, I had a lot of fun picturing the looks on their faces in either of the two suggested scenarios. Hoo boy. I already got good enough looks from being the liberal from Vegas; I can only imagine what that would be like.

I guess the problem I am having, and the reason I wrote in, is because I don't know how to have that conversation without sounding like I need exactly the help they are trying to give me, focusing especially on the social help, bless them. As I am usually one of the best difficult-conversation-havers I know (forgive my lack of humility on this point), this is frustrating. However, there's nothing like a few days at home to have your wisdom teeth pulled to give you perspective. They and I are going to be just fine, once I figure something out. I won't kill them. They won't hate me. And it is only a couple more months, anyway.

Thanks for the advice, serious and non-serious. I appreciate it.