There is an interesting feeling when you get confirmation of various matters discussed in the ‘sphere. On the one hand there is a sense of comfort in knowing you aren’t crazy, or that other people aren’t fooling you. On the other hand there is the attendant discomfort and distress at realizing things really are that bad.
I experienced that odd feeling lately during a conversation at my church following the liturgy. I talked with a guy I had seen before but hadn’t had a chance to chat with. He turned out to be a convert from a Protestant background. During our conversation, which involved several other parties at points, the subject of marriage came up. It was fascinating to hear him confirm many of the various concepts and experiences which have been voiced around these parts. A few examples:
- Daughter of the King Syndrome
- How many churches discourage young marriage, and are therefore afflicted with the instance of few marriages
- The opposite, and rarer instance, where Protestant churches would vocally encourage young marriage… and do nothing to support it.
- Christian women on the whole delaying marriage as long as they can to prioritize other things first.
- Christian men being told they had to have everything in their life lined up perfectly in order to marry.
Anticipating a question from the comments, no, as far as I knew this man (who was a bit older than I, and also single) knew nothing of the ‘sphere. But he had experienced Evangelical Christianity, which made him familiar with all of that. All in all, it was a fascinating and enlightening experience. My goal now is to seek out some other Catholic men who weren’t converts and get their stories. I’m curious as to the differences in experiences. I’ve covered my own here, but as the post title indicates, it’s always good to get a second opinion.
