untitled.

Right now, as I type, my family is talking about how men nowadays are becoming less and less capable of leading successful lives in many senses. From what general authorities said in today's and yesterday's General Conference, the amount of men looking for marriage is terribly low. On top of that, the people obtaining college degrees are 55% women. More and more families are relying on the woman to provide for the family.



I will post my thoughts about it here, because I can think more clear through typed words than spoken ones, and anything I say around my family concerning the matter won't be taken seriously anyway.

I believe I have a very good outlook on my future in terms of family and education. I am going into a field that is in constant need of new people (graphic design of some sort, or even computer science), and I can never stop learning how to become a better artist/programmer. My talent will be constantly evolving, and will be in high demand in today's world. Most men are worried about financial security before getting married. I say screw that. Hardships are what pull couples together. Besides, in the toughest times, the greatest strength is someone going through it with you. And you pull each other up, and have hope in each other for the future.

On top of that... I am fairly certain in what I want in a future spouse. Fairly certain being, I have yet to see a reason why it won't work. And you know, as long as we both want to be together, that is enough. Because I know I'll be blessed to be loved by anyone who will accept me...I will most certainly cherish her for who she is, and appreciate her for every second we're together. After all, my true happiness comes from the happiness of others; how happy will I be if I can just make one person happy every day forever?

The most difficult thing for me is, I have to put all this thinking off for two entire years. Besides, according to your average-Joe Mormon, that is my entire existence. Between now and when I leave on my mission, I am a future missionary. I am not Matthew Staib who was born in Anaheim, raised in California and Utah, loves anime, video games and independent films, draws digital art, and will happily serve others.

I am not him. I am a future missionary who hasn't received his call. And that is it. On top of that, I can only imagine the treatment for when I come back. I will be labeled by where I served. And I will then be the missionary that served in such-and-such a place. And that is all that people will want to know in order to completely identify who I am. Because who cares about the rest of your existence? You served 2 years in such-and-such a place. They know all about you, and that's how you always will be.

When I have children, I can't let this happen to them. They won't be identified so simply, like me. They have more to their stories. And so do I.