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April 27, 2025

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JohnNovember 15, 2022

My first experience with girls in my ward was in 5th grade, when one of them told me (with no provocation or previous interaction) that I was ugly, she hated me, and I'd never have a girlfriend. And of course she was the popular girl who had lots of influence over the other girls. So my "all or nothing" choice was "nothing". This created a poisonous atmosphere between boys and girls that persisted through our YM/YW years. None of the leaders noticed it, and if they did they didn't know what to do about it. One YW President's answer was to try to force the boys to ask the girls in the ward to prom. You can imagine how that went over with the boys. Myself and many of the other boys grew up socially stunted and even severely damaged due to bullying from this group of girls. It affects my life to this day, and I've never had a desire to date or marry. It doesn't feel safe to me.

Jenni BondJuly 16, 2015

This is exactly how I felt as I was in those years, but I could not have said it so well. This article needs to go into my archives. I think it will be pulled up many times as a mom. Thank you!

Rusty WillsonJuly 15, 2015

As a leader in Young Womens I really appreciate this article. As the mom of a 13 year old I love this article. Thank you! Thank you!

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