Are You Mormon?

You know those questions that you just know are coming. Ones that come up often enough that they are really no surprise. As I was leaving work today, I was asked two such questions, one which I liked, and one which I did not.

So, I'm new to my job, and I definitely have not met everyone who works in the office. Many of those I meet for the first time ask if I am an intern. This is really not too surprising, I just finished school, and I realize I look pretty young. Today, I was walking out the door and this woman I had not met before says, "Excuse me, are you in college?" No. No I'm not. Then I wondered how many more times I will have to answer this question.

Then, I was walking down the street towards public transit and ran into a coworker of mine who I do know. She asked me where I came from and how long I've been in the area. When I told her I grew up in Utah, I got what is a very typical response: "Oh, are you a Mormon?" Yes. Yes I am. That is a question I never get tired of answering. I am a Mormon. I love being a Mormon. I love talking to people about what I believe, or what being a Mormon is like. I love being able to share small glimpses of the most important thing in my life with people I come in contact with - be that contact brief of extended. Unlike with the first question, with this question I wonder how many more times will I get to answer this one?

You know, as much as I dislike being asked some questions, I'll take them if it means sometimes I get to answer questions I love.