Meeting Former Mormons in Real Life

[_KimberlyAnn]

It has been my privilege to meet many exmormons in real life with whom I've corresponded on various internet message boards. Without exception, I've felt an instant connection with each one of them. There's a certain camaraderie there that cannot be found anywhere else.

Going alone to last year's exmo conference made me nervous at first, but my trepidation was unwarranted. The people there were, for the most part, open and friendly and very accepting of one another. It was interesting to discover that I really got along with and enjoyed many people with whom I'd disagreed, sometimes vehemently, on RfM. I venture to say that many of us on this board, critics of Mormonism and defenders alike, would find the same thing if we were to meet one another - that we're all pretty good folks.

Several of the former Mormons I've met have become my dearest friends. I had the good fortune of meeting the gentle Runtu last week. He was as friendly and kind in real life as he is on the board. I have to say that he didn't come across as a hatemongering anti-Mormon at all. Hopefully I didn't represent myself as a hate-speech spewing feminist who gives women a bad name. ;)

Thanks for meeting me and my active family for lunch, Runtu. It was a real pleasure. And thanks to all the other kind people who made me feel so at home at last year's exmo conference.

Looking forward to meeting everyone attending this year's exmo conference (and even any defenders who would be willing to meet me for lunch ;),

Kimberly Ann

[_Runtu]

It has been my privilege to meet many exmormons in real life with whom I've corresponded on various internet message boards. Without exception, I've felt an instant connection with each one of them. There's a certain camaraderie there that cannot be found anywhere else.

Going alone to last year's exmo conference made me nervous at first, but my trepidation was unwarranted. The people there were, for the most part, open and friendly and very accepting of one another. It was interesting to discover that I really got along with and enjoyed many people with whom I'd disagreed, sometimes vehemently, on RfM. I venture to say that many of us on this board, critics of Mormonism and defenders alike, would find the same thing if we were to meet one another - that we're all pretty good folks.

Several of the former Mormons I've met have become my dearest friends. I had the good fortune of meeting the gentle Runtu last week. He was as friendly and kind in real life as he is on the board. I have to say that he didn't come across as a hatemongering anti-Mormon at all. Hopefully I didn't represent myself as a hate-speech spewing feminist who gives women a bad name. ;)

Thanks for meeting me and my active family for lunch, Runtu. It was a real pleasure. And thanks to all the other kind people who made me feel so at home at last year's exmo conference.

Looking forward to meeting everyone attending this year's exmo conference (and even any defenders who would be willing to meet me for lunch ;),

Kimberly Ann

I've had the same experience. Contrary to popular beliefs, we don't sit around making horrible accusations against the church and its members. The exmos I've met have been uniformly lovely and kind people. It helps that we all seem to have a good sense of humor.

Last week I had lunch with KimberlyAnn and her beautiful family. I had a wonderful time chatting and spilling my burrito all over my hands and face. Funny how such a maligned "shrill" feminist is such a kind and gentle person. Who knew?

The next day I had lunch with 3 exmos at a pub in Houston. We are all in various stages of our exit process, but it was really nice talking to people who have experienced much the same things. And of course, one of my best friends is an exmo in Houston, and we get together periodically for dinner.

I count you guys as genuine friends.

[_KimberlyAnn]

It has been my privilege to meet many exmormons in real life with whom I've corresponded on various internet message boards. Without exception, I've felt an instant connection with each one of them. There's a certain camaraderie there that cannot be found anywhere else.

Going alone to last year's exmo conference made me nervous at first, but my trepidation was unwarranted. The people there were, for the most part, open and friendly and very accepting of one another. It was interesting to discover that I really got along with and enjoyed many people with whom I'd disagreed, sometimes vehemently, on RfM. I venture to say that many of us on this board, critics of Mormonism and defenders alike, would find the same thing if we were to meet one another - that we're all pretty good folks.

Several of the former Mormons I've met have become my dearest friends. I had the good fortune of meeting the gentle Runtu last week. He was as friendly and kind in real life as he is on the board. I have to say that he didn't come across as a hatemongering anti-Mormon at all. Hopefully I didn't represent myself as a hate-speech spewing feminist who gives women a bad name. ;)

Thanks for meeting me and my active family for lunch, Runtu. It was a real pleasure. And thanks to all the other kind people who made me feel so at home at last year's exmo conference.

Looking forward to meeting everyone attending this year's exmo conference (and even any defenders who would be willing to meet me for lunch ;),

Kimberly Ann

I've had the same experience. Contrary to popular beliefs, we don't sit around making horrible accusations against the church and its members. The exmos I've met have been uniformly lovely and kind people. It helps that we all seem to have a good sense of humor.

Last week I had lunch with KimberlyAnn and her beautiful family. I had a wonderful time chatting and spilling my burrito all over my hands and face. Funny how such a maligned "shrill" feminist is such a kind and gentle person. Who knew?

The next day I had lunch with 3 exmos at a pub in Houston. We are all in various stages of our exit process, but it was really nice talking to people who have experienced much the same things. And of course, one of my best friends is an exmo in Houston, and we get together periodically for dinner.

I count you guys as genuine friends.

You didn't spill your burrito all over your face. Just a little on your plate. :) That was the biggest burrito I've ever seen!

What's funny is that I don't consider myself a feminist at all. I think many of the outspoken feminists these days are downright wacky. I'm a stay at home mother by choice. My world revolves around four little girls. It's interesting how pointing out the gender bias in Mormonism makes me a shrill feminist. Who knew?

KA

[_Some Schmo]

I've only ever met one exmo that's I'd previously encountered on the Internet (an old Foyer friend named Hank Reardon) and he was one of the most articulate, brilliant, and funny people I've ever met. It wasn't much of a surprise, however, given that's exactly how he is on the message boards.

But, you know... where would we all be without our heathen reputation?

[_Blixa]

I loved meeting KA last October. I plan on going to exmopalooza again this year, mainly for the social aspect (no disrespect to speakers, etc). For me meeting folks is the real pay off.

Hopefully I can meet runtu! If he moves to Utah then its definite.

I'll be there in about a month...barring any unforseen difficulty (which has been the norm this summer, so who knows?) and staying through part of October...

[_Doctor Steuss]

I meet “ex-Mormons” in real life usually once a week. Every Wednesday I get together with two of them to play basketball, and then go play some pool (and hook up some Golden Tee).

I tend to think they’re alright fellows. I’ve been friends with the both of them for over a decade, so perhaps I have confirmation bias.

But, when they left the church… they left the church (so perhaps that helps us to get along).

[_Gazelam]

The crowd came to their feet at the exmo conference as Dan Peterson took the stand to make his address.

[_Runtu]

The crowd came to their feet at the exmo conference as Dan Peterson took the stand to make his address.

Dang it, Gaz. Just when I was starting to like you again ...

[_KimberlyAnn]

The crowd came to their feet at the exmo conference as Dan Peterson took the stand to make his address.

Dang it, Gaz. Just when I was starting to like you again ...

I think the monkeys are cute. I especially like the little one left behind on the staircase. I'd like to pet her.

I think Gaz is just jealous he's going to miss out on all the fun at Exmo conference. At least Gaz didn't make mention of cupakes, which he usually does on most of my threads. He recently asked if my cupcake frosting melted at the beach. I thought righteous Priesthood holders weren't supposed to think about such things!

I'm sending a {{{hug}}} your way in case you happen to be at Crazy House right now.

KA

[_Runtu]

Hmm. Does this mean I've seen the cupcakes in person? LOL

Yes, I'm at the crazy house. At least the kids are glued to a movie downstairs instead of beating the crap out of each other like they were last night. Makes me appreciate my own kids that much more.