Discerning Religious Life And Crushes

[ToJesusMyHeart]

So, is there a sort of rule for this? Not like a law, but rule as in "standard of action."

 

If I'm correct, suppressing the emotions is not the answer, and may do more harm than good. But at the same time, I'm discerning celibacy for the kingdom...so how does this work? 

 

Keep it at the friendship level only? 

Dating is okay? 

Limit interaction?

Change discernment path?

Shun him entirely? 

Etc...

 

Thanks. :)

[FutureSister2009]

A crush on a guy is what pulled me away from discernment for about a year. I let him control everything I did. I hated the fact that I let him control me, even without him actually knowing it! I never wanted to be the type of girl that put her self-worth into a guy. God finally snapped me back into reality. It was hard but I was able to make peace with the fact that all he'll ever be is a friend. It's still hard and awkward for me to see him sometimes but there's nothing there anymore, no desires, nothing. I feel better and more confident in myself knowing I finally let him go. I have been told it is normal because we are girls. The desires are just naturally there. I say keep it at friendship.

[Kateri89]

That's a great question.  I suppose the best answer is to pray and discern about that as well and ask God to give you some clarity.  When I'm in deep prayer, that's when I really feel called to religious life and I suppose that's why I think it's accurate.  At the same time, there is a guy I'm attracted to.  In my case though it's easy to figure out what to do because he already has a girlfriend so I would never even consider trying to date him.  Supposing he was single, I still think I'd resist the temptation because deep down I believe I'm called to the convent so it's better to avoid the temptation rather than break up with a guy because I discovered my true vocation.