Yeah, theoretically going on a mission is supposed to be a coming-of-age sort of thing for young Mormon men. They get a taste of life away from home and interacting with other people. After 2 years we are supposed to return home and get married.
Young Mormon women are encouraged to date a RM (returned missionary) thus feeding the myth that you have to serve a mission. Unfortunately, it seems that while men on missions are encouraged to interact and persuade others to "convert" and be baptized, they are not allowed to be alone with women, nor think about sex, no hugs, etc. almost to the point of shame if you do!
I'm not slamming my religion as a whole or the doctrine I believe, only in some of the culture over the last generation that has warped some of our minds into thinking sexual thoughts are evil, therefore many of us become AFC and are afraid to touch women.:nono:
It has taken me years to lose my fear of touch and therefore I no longer fear women and like them more.
Didn't mean to go offtopic. So, other Utahns in this forum?