I'm a convert to Orthodoxy, too, and single (as a widow.) I can't begin to imagine how difficult the dating scenario you described must be. Bless you. However, I totally identify all my life with the comments from men about my body. Growing up in New Mexico and having learned Spanish as a child, this huera (white girl) found some probably sinful satisfaction in listening to what Hispanic men said to each other about me, thinking I didn't understand. One time some workmen were building bookshelves for us in our bedroom, and I got an earful. Another older man came upstairs, a friend of mine, and since he knew I spoke Spanish, asked me something about a project he was working on downstairs. I responded in Spanish, and as Scripture says, "there was silence. . .for about half an hour." Finally one of the men came up to me and said, "We didn't know you spoke Spanish, and it wasn't very nice of you to listen in on what we said." God forgive me for taking so much satisfaction in how I responded: "It wasn't very nice of you to talk about me that way."
I’m being a busybody in the comments here, but I just had to draw to your attention, if you didn’t already know it, that you’re both Basilians from different years :)
This is beautifully written. I was just working on an essay about my experience of this only my experience was much cruder believe it or not. Virgin became a dirty word quickly after the sexual revolution hit.
Were you working at the mechanic’s shop? The bar?
I am very glad to hear you are dating, that the men are chivalrous. (Been praying for you for that, for the Lord to grant you the desire of your heart.)
What a beautiful statement and affirmation: I choose innocence. May the Lord’s light protect and guide you.
Thank you Katie! I’m really looking forward to reading your essay if you decide to publish it. I have such strong feelings about the sexual revolution (it was before my time but both my parents were deeply affected). I really, really hate it when people say it’s about choice and freedom. It is not. People respond to incentives; when purity or virginity are shamed by the culture, that will absolutely have an impact on impressionable young adults.
I had a route sheet every day that occasionally sent me into bars and mechanic shops, but mostly milder places like office parks. Bad experiences were rare (though scary).
Well you might give me motivation to get it on here. Virginity used to be a virtue. And there’s a lot of passion mixed up in the longing. I set out lose it though because I didn’t want to end up a bitter old maid. And it was a very painful time in my life. There’s much I believe the Lord will redeem.
I'm a convert to Orthodoxy, too, and single (as a widow.) I can't begin to imagine how difficult the dating scenario you described must be. Bless you. However, I totally identify all my life with the comments from men about my body. Growing up in New Mexico and having learned Spanish as a child, this huera (white girl) found some probably sinful satisfaction in listening to what Hispanic men said to each other about me, thinking I didn't understand. One time some workmen were building bookshelves for us in our bedroom, and I got an earful. Another older man came upstairs, a friend of mine, and since he knew I spoke Spanish, asked me something about a project he was working on downstairs. I responded in Spanish, and as Scripture says, "there was silence. . .for about half an hour." Finally one of the men came up to me and said, "We didn't know you spoke Spanish, and it wasn't very nice of you to listen in on what we said." God forgive me for taking so much satisfaction in how I responded: "It wasn't very nice of you to talk about me that way."
It’s unbelievable that they never once questioned their right to say those inappropriate things!
I’m being a busybody in the comments here, but I just had to draw to your attention, if you didn’t already know it, that you’re both Basilians from different years :)
Busybodies are most welcome here!! Always glad to meet a fellow Basilian, Latayne :)
Really beautiful, Elisabeth. Thank you.
This is beautifully written. I was just working on an essay about my experience of this only my experience was much cruder believe it or not. Virgin became a dirty word quickly after the sexual revolution hit.
Were you working at the mechanic’s shop? The bar?
I am very glad to hear you are dating, that the men are chivalrous. (Been praying for you for that, for the Lord to grant you the desire of your heart.)
What a beautiful statement and affirmation: I choose innocence. May the Lord’s light protect and guide you.
Thank you Katie! I’m really looking forward to reading your essay if you decide to publish it. I have such strong feelings about the sexual revolution (it was before my time but both my parents were deeply affected). I really, really hate it when people say it’s about choice and freedom. It is not. People respond to incentives; when purity or virginity are shamed by the culture, that will absolutely have an impact on impressionable young adults.
I had a route sheet every day that occasionally sent me into bars and mechanic shops, but mostly milder places like office parks. Bad experiences were rare (though scary).
You are a good friend. Thank you for praying ♥️
Well you might give me motivation to get it on here. Virginity used to be a virtue. And there’s a lot of passion mixed up in the longing. I set out lose it though because I didn’t want to end up a bitter old maid. And it was a very painful time in my life. There’s much I believe the Lord will redeem.