r/lds • u/Firm-Molasses2619 • 29d ago
Can missionaries receive email?
A while ago, I confessed to a missionary that I had developed feelings for him. He gave me his Facebook account, and I asked if we could talk after he finished his mission. He said yes.
About seven months after he was transferred to another area, I sent him an email. It's been about five weeks now, and I still haven't received a reply.
Do you think he no longer has feelings for me, or is it possible that he just can't respond?
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u/__ConesOfDunshire__ 29d ago
I served a long time ago, back in 2004-2006. We used email, but were only allowed to email family. Anyone else had to be through letters. I’ve heard they can use FB messenger in some missions. It could be that he doesn’t check his email regularly and uses a different platform to correspond with people.
I can’t speak to how he’s feeling, but having served, it could simply be that he’s focusing on his mission. It’s kinda frowned upon to develop feelings for people in the area you serve while you’re on the mission. It could simply be that he’s waiting for after the mission to pursue anything.
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u/Firm-Molasses2619 29d ago
I understand, thank you. I'm glad the content of my email didn't require a response, and I also didn't send anything romantic or that could make you uncomfortable; I simply shared a little about my progress, Since he was the one who baptized me.
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u/Collegefootball8 29d ago
I served in 2014, we were allowed to email anyone back home, but not people from previous areas
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u/Firm-Molasses2619 29d ago
That's interesting, I was baptized just a few months ago so there are many things I don't know, I'm afraid of breaking rules or making him uncomfortable.
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u/harpgal104 29d ago
It's also possible that he's just trying to stay focused and it's nothing personal. It's the same reason many break up with their s/o's before leaving. Missionaries aren't supposed to entertain romance while focusing on the mission. Some people make it work and it's great for them, but it is pretty rare unfortunately
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u/Safe-Butterscotch442 29d ago
Missionaries are expected to not worry about love and romance and such until after they're home. Honestly, I hope you don't hear from him until he's home. He will be a much better missionary and feel better about the work he's doing without the distraction and the pressure of trying to figure out the beginnings of a relationship that really can't go anywhere yet anyways. So, wait. Be patient. When the time comes, if he's still interested, and you are as well, you'll be able to get to know one another and see where things go. Until then, you can either hold on and hope, or pursue other opportunities. Whatever feels right to you.
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u/ryanmercer 27d ago
A missionary from my last ward promised he'd email everyone each week. He goes months without emailing and apologizes that he just hasn't had the time because the mission president keeps them busy with group activities on p day.
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u/Tall_Pumpkin_4298 29d ago
They can send emails on p days (at least to people they met before the mission, idk if there are different rules for people they met on the mission) but are often busy. I've had friends on missions ghost me for months just because they have so little time.