Life Inside the Box

I live in Provo. It is something I never aspired to do. In fact, I swore I would never live here. When I got home from Germany I knew it was the right thing to do. I had a miserable first few months and have been getting used to it. I actually like it... (I said "like it" not "love it")

Throughout my time here I have had a few experiences, a few things said to me, that I feel would not have taken place, or been said in any other place except Provo. (A lot of these experiences made me cry. Provo experiences = tears) About 2 months ago something happened that almost brought me to tears again, but this time it was because I was laughing so hard.

If your ward has ever had a committee whose sole purpose is to set people up... you might live in Provo.
If your bishop has ever discouraged you from doing a study abroad because he thinks you should marry the person you've been dating for 2 weeks... you might live in Provo.
If said bishop calls people to be on aforementioned committee to concoct a way to set people up.... you might live in Provo.
If your name has ever been placed in a "date box" with the name of a member of the opposite sex... you might be reminded that you live in Provo.

Here's how the "Date Box" works.

At some point during church (basically at any point in which you can find the date box, but preferably during mix-and-mingle time) if there are 2 people whom you think should date, you write both of their names on a piece of paper and slip it into the box. The date box committee (yes there is a committee) takes it home and looks through it. If both parties on the slip of paper are indeed unattached then the male is called and informed of the entry. It is at this time that he may decide whether or not to take out the girl.

This is my story.

One afternoon in late January, I received a phone call while I was at work... and then a very lengthy voicemail. That voicemail was from a certain priesthood holder from my ward enlightening me as to the fact that our names had been put in "The Date Box" together. Yay.

I was not thrilled to hear that I had been put into the box. My plan was not to conform to the box, but live life outside the box. I had given specific instruction to my roommates not to put my name in the box... or else... *life threatening glare* My roommates deny having done this, but it was too late now. I figured _______ is a nice enough person. It definitely won't hurt me to go out with him. However, it turned out that he wanted to go out with me that very day and I already had plans so I had to decline. We planned to discuss it at church the following day, but he disappeared right after the block. I called him thinking it was my fault our paths didn't cross... he didn't call back... for more than 2 weeks.

I had mostly forgotten about it.

It was a rainy day in February when he called again. We set another date. 10 minutes later he cancelled. He re-scheduled with an apology for having taken almost a month to get back to me explaining that he was "busy" but that that was not all... he also decided for whatever reason to explain that he also didn't call during that time because he was dating another girl. *sigh.* You've got to be kidding. After the damage had been done he realized he had given too much information, re-confirmed the re-scheduled date and hung up. A little while later he called back. Cancelled again. Re-scheduled... again (believe me, this is his last chance) I'm going out with him tonight... supposedly.

I might sound mean and terrible, but quite frankly I don't need this. If I'm not worth making time for, then I'm not. End of story. I am sure I'll have a good time on this date that the box has arranged for us, but I would like to date someone who actually wants to date me. Is that so much to ask? I have been on this guy's back burner for almost 2 months. Quite frankly I just want to get it done and over with so he can stop feeling so obligated to conform to what the box has told him.

I like Provo... I just wonder why I haven't moved to Italy, New York, Greece or California yet.