friend that was with me told me the dress really suited me and so I decided it was OK, because surely everyone would be dressed similarly. I told myself: when in Rome do as the Romans do, right? I’d also seen other girls from church dressed in similar dresses before, so thought it would be fine. Well, to be completely honest, Father, I felt extremely uncomfortable. Like I was on show for everyone to look at – and they did, especially the males! I received a lot of very forward compliments and attention. However, the way the men were looking at me made me feel very uncomfortable, as it was a bit too intimate for my liking. I’m ashamed to say that rather than questioning this doubt, I instead had a couple of drinks of alcohol as I thought perhaps it was just my nerves that needed to calm down, but this only made it worse! I felt awful. I wasn’t sure why, as everyone else around me seemed to be so comfortable wearing the same clothes and having a good time, but I was quite miserable and wanted to go home. Father, I remember you telling me once a few years ago to dress always in a way that would find favour with the Mother of God. I fear I let her down terribly that night. When I came home, I remembered a few of the examination of conscience questions for the General Confession on retreat and realised perhaps I had committed a sin and that is why I felt so bad. I thought the male attention would have been something I would like, but I did not feel comfortable with that sort of attention at all. Did I commit a mortal sin, Father? I think I will go to confession as it might be some time before I hear from you, just in case. I think I will also maybe reduce the time I am spending at church during the week, as I do not feel it is right to go after how I acted this last week. I hate to trouble you with this, dear Father, for I know you have so much to do, but I am very grateful for allowing me to clarify my doubts with you. With gratitude for your time, through Christ, Amanda 26
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1