One of the bigger issues converts face is a lack of understanding from lifelong Latter Day Saints. I can understand the lifelong member side-if you've never smoked a joint or been a heavy drinker-you don't know how hard it is to quit. Worse, many LDS assume it's "easy" for converts to give up lifelong habits and not miss them.
I hope this doesn't turn into a bitch-fest-you know I have nothing but respect for all my brothers and sisters in the church-but here goes.
Being LDS is not easy. The time commitment alone takes awhile to get used to. It's been my experience that active LDS usually associate with other active LDS, and most of their close friends/family are in the church. That's fine and expected-most atheists associate with atheists, most vegans with other vegan. We tend to be most familiar with people who share our values.
Trying to explain to lifelong members that we have friends/family outside the church and we enjoy spending time with them too is often quite difficult. You can get blank stares, confrontation, preaching-you name it when decline temple trips, leave church early, etc.
The common response from the more obtuse members is "Well, being LDS isn't easy. Not everyone can do it." The answer is "No, being LDS isn't easy, but you need more understanding for those of us who aren't lifelong members." It's very strange to me that many lifelong members claim they are misunderstood-yet simply don't even try to "understand" what converts go through with their families and having other responsibilities.
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