Seeing the direction some of the discussion has taken on beauty, I wanted to recommend the series GirlTalk blog is doing on modesty right now. You can read all 5 parts here and see more as they are posted. This excerpt is a great point:
The essence of our desire to beautify comes from God…This taste [for beauty], however in many cases it may be altogether corrupted in its object, wrong in its principle, or excessive in its degree, is in its own nature an imitation of the workmanship of God, who, “by his Spirit has garnished the heavens,” and covered the earth with beauty. – Fashion and Following the Savior, Part Four
Watch for Gretchen’s post on beauty at the end of the week, and my article on friendship and romance next week!
Next week!?? How are we going to wait that long.
J/K — mostly. 
I know life happens.
Just wanted to say that I’ve been enjoying the discussions a lot.
Natalie, I am really looking forward to your post! I already agree with your disgreement with Gretchen over guy/girl friendships.
The discussion lately has been great!
I would love to read the rest of Gretchen’s courtship story!
hint, hint
Natalie, I agree. I’ll look forward to your post next week. I was questioning some of things Gretchen said about the guy/girl friendships as well. God bless:)
Hi, Gretchen!
Thanks for your comment on my blog. Our address is:
3625 Allen Lane
Peshastin, WA 98847
It was so nice to “see” you, even just electronically.
I agree with the “hint, hint”!
Just wanted to emphasize that I am not comfortable with this being set up as some sort of debate. That is not what the YLCF is for. I am not sure where I gave the impression that I was going to take sides against her as if there really is a cut and dried right and wrong on this issue.
As my friend Bram said, “You express differing views in kindness and civility then move on. It sparks the occasional conversation but it does not dominate your talks.”
We choose not to focus and trumpet them…there are better things to do here in what we seek to make a haven of refreshment and edification.
I will post my thoughts. That is all.
April,
Yes it is…sort of! It has taken several major drafts…so this is the one that is geared for YLCF. Another version is geared for a more liberal crowd (e.g. Brio) and another for a longer piece for my book.
Natalie: “I am not sure where I gave the impression that I was going to take sides against her as if there really is a cut and dried right and wrong on this issue.”
The impression came from the below quotes. It sounds pretty cut and dried. Gretchen knows friendships can be done and you believe it is impossible. Most of us readers don’t have anything to go on but what we see you say, so while IRL you and Gretchen might not disagree with each other when it comes down to it, the below statements make it sound like you disagree.
Gretchen: “There are girls who have really truly had close guy friends with whom there was nothing but friendship, on both sides. I know it can be done.”
Natalie: “One who is convinced friendships with guys are impossible”
I am the one that posted the following quote: “I already agree with your disgreement with Gretchen over guy/girl friendships.”
I got the impression from your quote under the title of “Just Friends?”: “I am working on a post on my perspective–which is different from Gretchen’s because my life experience is different. Of course you all know I love her dearly and respect her sooo much. But hopefully it can show you another side and give you more food for thought.”
Maybe I got the wrong impression because I was really hoping your views might be more along the same lines as mine.
God Bless!