#73379 Home Teaching Anxiety

[blpsara]

Please remember to include links, guys.

I liked Concorde's answer, but I also think there are other solutions.

I have never been a successful visiting teacher. I have problems doing something just because I'm told to. I'd much rather visit people on my own terms and serve in my own ways. (I know...I know...It's not the best attitude to have.) I also have anxieties that can be pretty severe, especially if I don't know people very well.

However, about two years ago when I was really struggling with it, I mentioned to the visiting teacher coordinator that I thought I would really enjoy being partners with a friend of mine, someone who also struggles with visiting teaching. Shortly thereafter, they assigned us as partners, and to be honest, we rock. We balance out each other's weaknesses, and it's okay for us to admit to each other that we have weaknesses because we are friends. We're still not perfect visiting teachers, but we do a really good job, and the people we visit teach always tell us how much they love having us visit because they can see our friendship and how much we care.

So yes, while there certainly are times when it may be beneficial to try and build a relationship with your partner, there are some personality types that it may be better to simply ask them - "hey, I noticed that we're really having a hard time getting together and home teaching. Is there a reason why? What can we do to make it easier? Is there someone that you would go with?" Especially if this person has social anxieties (like I do...). It will make it a lot easier.

[Emiliana]

Good suggestions.

What struck me most about the question was that it was mentioned that maybe, possibly, there were some anxiety issues or something, but then that was never addressed. Not being from a Mormon background myself, I find it hard to understand why someone with apparent social anxiety is required to do this at all. Isn't there another calling he/she could be given? (Forgive my confusion, which is certainly due to ignorance.)

[Marduk]

Every adult member in good standing is expected to have a home teaching/visiting teaching assignment, in addition to any other possible callings.

[bobtheenchantedone]

That said, you can request to be taken off the assignment for a while if you feel you are not currently up to the task.