LETTER: Utahns or Mormons?

Dear Editor,

I’m writing in response to the article “Marriage viewed different in Utah” printed March 21.

The article refers to “Utahns,” but it seemed to mean members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In fact, the very first paragraph mentions the church. As a “Utahn,” a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and married (at 23), a few points need to be corrected. These are my views and should not be taken to be those of all “Utahns” or church members.

Yes, marriage is a hot topic, especially among church members, but how marriage is viewed “lightly” and a “huge majority of the population [is] ‘marriage hungry,'” is not at all an accurate statement for Utahns. Since when do the length of engagements and time spent on planning the reception show that one is taking a marriage seriously? Those events are nothing when compared to the actual wedding ceremony. You don’t get married to have a reception. I got married because I fell in love with a wonderful person who is my best friend, easy to talk to about everything, fun to be with and always treats me with respect.

More people may get married at a younger age in Utah, but does that mean they’re in a hurry? Most of my friends and acquaintances were married close to my age, older, or still aren’t married. I was never looked down upon for not being married and never felt pressured to. If anyone feels like that, they need to stop listening to others and listen to their own hearts or change their attitude.

Marriage is a wonderful and sacred event. That’s the view of the majority of the Utah population. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teach that marriage can last beyond this life. What’s wrong with having a desire to be part of such a special, sacred event?

I suggest getting sources from people who actually are a part of the society in question.

Brooke Fuller