Single Elderly in the LDS Church: Finding Love and Companionship

As a 67-year-old divorced individual beginning to attend the LDS Church, the question of finding a new companion often arises. However, the reality is that the LDS Church does not actively engage in matchmaking. Despite this, members of the congregation may occasionally offer introductions, which may or may not lead to a relationship.

I, for one, have had offers of introduction over the years, but I declined all of them as my focus was on raising my children. I had no interest in reducing my time with them to satisfy my own need for companionship.

Now that my kids have moved on in their lives, the thought of a companion other than my dogs occasionally enters my mind. While I am content to live alone, I am also open to finding a new wife. However, the organization of the church is not set up for matchmaking. I find comfort in the fact that my late wife and I were married for eternity in the Lord’s Temple, and my aloneness will not be eternal. I will see and be with my wife again.

The Demographics of LDS Wards

As a 67-year-old retired great grandfather, most of my age-appropriate friends are women. In my former role as the ward membership clerk, I reported that over half of the households in our ward were single women. While this does not necessarily reflect the entire ward membership, it suggests a possible prevalence of single individuals in certain areas.

The Church's Role in Relationships

It is important to note that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not in the matchmaking business. During my younger years as a single 28-year-old Army lieutenant, my unit wives and church congregation were actively involved in finding me a wife. Eventually, I married the one they introduced, and we did so after 25 years of being widowed again.

While the church may offer opportunities for singles to engage in Single Adult Activities, the success of finding love and marriage is largely a function of how you are perceived by eligible women and a bit of luck in being in the right place at the right time.

For those interested in finding companionship in the LDS Church, it is important to recognize the church's role and the community's initiatives. While the church itself does not actively facilitate matches, the community can be a valuable resource for finding support and companionship.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a relationship should be based on mutual respect and compatibility, rather than external pressures or expectations. Finding happiness and companionship in later life is a personal journey that requires openness and a willingness to explore new connections.

Key Takeaways:

The LDS Church does not actively engage in matchmaking. Community members may offer introductions, but success is not guaranteed. Single adults should focus on personal growth and relationships based on mutual respect.

For further exploration into the topic of finding companionship and connecting with the LDS community, consider visiting local church activities and exploring resources within the congregation.