Whenever I get a chance I like to attend institute and religion classes. If you’re aged 18-30 you can get a list of institute classes where you live from LDS.org. If you date online like I do, this is a safe first date. Meet at the class. Sometimes there are free activities after. Research shows that when your dating centers on building a spiritual foundation you have a higher likelihood of being stronger and happier if you get married. So why not start dating off right.

If you’re over 30, then BYU offers adult religion classes all over the country. Some are just for singles, others don’t specify. The cost is usually under $20 for 4 months of classes. I took an excellent class on the atonement that was at MountainView’s seminary building but I no longer see it listed. Here’s another class specifically for LDS singles in American Fork, Utah.

If you’re divorced and live close to Orem, Utah, sign up for Cheryl Merrell’s Gospel Perspectives on LDS Single- Parent Issues. This class is so valuable I wish they made videos of it or taught it around the entire church. The next series starts in the Fall at the Orem Utah Northridge Stake Center - 1674 North 200 West.  Contact: Karen Spangler - 801-422-8782.

The single parenting class covers fitting into your ward family, dating, blending families, and other issues. The teacher has been divorced and widowed so she has been a single parent twice for different reasons. I always felt the strongest spirit in those classes and looked forward to them every week. Not only did I learn so much but I also felt I wasn’t alone at a difficult time. Single parents in all circumstances and of many different ages attend.