Single Adults and Family Life “Each (individual) is a beloved spirit son or daughter of Heavenly Parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.” “We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity…or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God.” Proclamation, ¶2,8

Prevalence of Single Adults 1/3 of General Membership of Church not married Vast majority of women single for some portion of their lives Across history of mortality, a very small percentage have actually been sealed to a spouse while in mortality From the General Social Survey (1994), Mormon demographer Tim Heaton estimates: Median age at marriage for LDS men/women: 21.8 (higher for men, lower for women; probably higher for both in 2002) At age 25, 80% of LDS men/women are/have been married At age 35, 85% of LDS men/women are/have been married At age 55, % of LDS men/women are/have been married

Who Is A Single Adult? Age and marital status definitions Other definitions?

Blessings and Burdens of Singles What are the blessing? What are the burdens?

Counsel to Single Adults Promises “Because there is tomorrow, all our yesterdays have meaning and all our dreams have hope…I promise you that you can experience the fulfillment of your desire for eternal love, if you really want it, so long as you don’t want anything else more. I pray that you will do the work required to full your family dream. The longing of the heart for this fullness is a central vision of the gospel. It is also a source of great power, especially on those cloudy days or years, when you dreams seem impossible. Even when love wounds you, that’s because love matters so much. The deep hurt is the mirror image of the deep joy that still awaits you. Your longing to belong forever to a loving family comes from God, and He has promised its fulfillment if you are faithful: “For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. (Psalms 107: 9)” Elder Bruce Hafen Responsibilities “What if you are single or have not been blessed with children? Do you still need to be concerned about the counsel regarding families? Yes. It is something we all need to learn in earth life.” Elder Robert D. Hales Cautions “Never lose sight of this sacred goal” President Benson "I plead with you, put both hands on the temple. Put your arms around the temple, and hang on fore dear life to your family dream. If you don't the tigers will come at night and tear your dreams apart.“Elder Bruce Hafen

Progressing As Singles Lewis Model Grounding Friendships Basic Needs Nurturance Sexuality Grieving Peace Positivity Erickson Model Intimacy vs. Isolation Proclamation Model Faith and Prayer Repentance and Forgiveness Respect, Love, Compassion Work and Wholesome Recreational Activities The goal of single members should be “not to wait successfully but to live richly, fully, joyfully.” Text, p. 234

Responses to Singlehood Singles: How can singles strengthen families and support a family culture? Family, Community, Church? How can the family culture support and strengthen singles?