Awkward RM Moments

No one tells you how hard it is to be a returned missionary. When you leave for a mission, they take you to the MTC. But once you've finished your mission, they literally dump you out of a plane and leave you to figure out the real world on your own. It's a really hard transition to go from being a full-time representative of the Lord to being just you again. And then you're expected to be an adult and stuff. It's hard!

Since I've now been home for exactly 2 weeks, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share some funny awkward moments that I had when I came home, so that others may commiserate with me. (Or laugh at me. Either way!)

• Going to the grocery store with my mom, I wanted to say a prayer before we got out of the car. 
• I read my texts to my mom and had the phone on speakerphone for the first week.
• Walking into Costco, and exclaiming "I'm not carrying a Book of Mormon!" 
• At Costco: "Hey Mom, I want to look at clothes." Mom: "Ok, I'm going to get vegetables." Me: "DON'T LEAVE ME!" 
• Climbing into my friends car, who turns on the radio casually. I scream and cover my ears, and then realize awkwardly that I could do that now. 
• Putting on skinny jeans and thinking how immodest it was to have my butt outlined again. 
• The first time I did something by myself was driving my new car home, and I panicked and had to say a prayer. 
• Visiting the mission office... yes, I seriously did that. 
• Chatting with the cashiers and being super friendly, and realizing I have nothing else to say now. Because the line "have you seen missionaries like us before?" no longer works.
• I still carry around a blue Book of Mormon in my purse. And I reference it. 
• Still "Princess Parking"- finding a pull-through parking space so your companion doesn't need to back you out.
• Introducing myself as Sister Laser. 
• Hearing that my bishop was coming over and exclaiming "I need to put on a skirt! oh wait, I can put on pants!" (I was wearing PJs) 
• Still having an internal panic attack when I hug a guy.
• Talking to your friends and they tell you that you have a Southern accent. 
• Sharing my mom's phone... even though I have my own.
• Checking to see if I'm wearing my nametag.
• Chasing down the elders to ask "Do you need anything? Food? Water? Teamups?" and they just look at you funny.
• Following my mom or dad around like a lost puppy.
• Freaking out over the newest Mormon message like its the preview for the new Star Wars.

So yeah, it's hard to be a returned missionary. I know I used to make fun of awkward RMs, but now I realize that I have become one. Yay karma! 

I'm sure y'all have some funny stories you've heard (or done yourself!) and I'd love to hear them! It would make me feel better about myself.

No better awkward RM therapy like Rock Band with a companion

My new car!