A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Hi.My boyfriend is interested in new age religion, and is thinking of attending a group meeting about one particular one this weekend, to see how he feels about it. (I won't go into details because the actual religion is unimportant and isn't the big issue, it isn't something that I have a problem with and I quite like new age belief systems myself.)He's been talking about becoming more involved with this path for a good few months, and I've said that although I probably wouldn't want to be super into-it, is it something that I would be interested in learning more about. So, he might be going to this thing this weekend and has been invited by somebody we know who practices the faith. I feel weird about it. I want my boyfriend to go because he's expressed such an interest and has been reading about this kind of thing for while, but at the same time I think I'm worrying that if he does go, and does decide he wants to go again... it's like I'm worrying that this may turn into something very important to him, and I worry that it might not be something that I'll be involved in. When we were talking about the weekend meeting last night, I encouraged him to go and said that he should see what he thought about it. I wanted to say 'if you go again, might I be able to come?' but I thought it'd be best to leave saying that until after. But now, the day after our conversation, I feel that I badly want to send him a message saying that now. Should I?I want to be involved because I want to know about things that are important to him, and as I said, I am genuinely interested, just maybe not at the same level. What do you think? Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (24 October 2012): If you want to be involved in this then ask him to go. He may think it is sweet and supportive of you and you may fing something you like.
A
female
reader, CindyCares  +, writes (24 October 2012):
 Sure, go, why not ? If you are genuinely curious and interested, and if you want to know more about the things your bf is / may be drawn to.... I think you've got two excellent reasons to go, and I am sure your bf will be glad of the interest you show.
I think that, the more you know about anything in this world, the better. Just go with an open mind, and, like for ANY philosophy or religion, use those insights or that wisdom that you feel is helpful to you in your life journey and spiritual path, and discard the rest.
When I was in NY, I made friends with a Wiccan priestess ( who, btw, was a very down to earth, rational, practical person - and had a very normal life- no special attire, no flying on broomsticks :) and she got me curious about neo pagans and involved in some of their activities. I learned a lot and got rid of many common prejudices and misconceptions about non mainstream religions. I quickly saw that following that path wasn't for me ... if nothing else , because it requires a lot of self discipline and committment, it's a serious, rigorous practice , it's not just dabbling with candles and incenses. And, because like ANY spiritual path, it requires faith,- a faith that you can't rationally decide to adopt, either it calls to you, or it does not.
But I am really glad I came to know first hand another interesting approach, another fascinating point of view, and some of the "techniques " of that religion can objectively be useful tools for anybody who is interested in a journey of self awareness and self discovery.
As for your bf possibly deciding in future to get more involved with this religion.. ah well. As long is not something that clashes with your morals, and with your core values,... you don't have to belong to the same religion. Or, to the same political party. Or root for the same sport teams. As long as you can respect each other beliefs, I think you don't have necessarily to share them.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (24 October 2012): I think it's very sweet of you to want to be involved in his life like that. Don't get overly involved, you should have your own hobbies, but I don't think there's anything wrong with going to a few meetings. Maybe this will spark his interest in some of your hobbies/interests.
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