Finding a mentor

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I am in my mid-20s and currently navigating through that post-college life ie no clue what I’m doing. After a childhood/present of emotional abuse, I have had to move out of my home and go extremely low contact with my parents. Through all this, I am looking for someone who can be a parent-like mentor/mother example for me. Currently really lost. I am just starting therapy with a new Catholic therapist, but I feel like that won’t be enough. I need concrete examples of Catholic life and motherhood.

I am studying theology at my university and have one professor who I really trust, so I confided in him about my situation. Also, I know his wife who attends department events and parties. I really enjoy talking to her and feel at ease. Unofficially, I have had them as my example of Catholic marriage and family life in my brain, but now that I’m graduating I’d like to stay in contact with them (I will still live in the area near them). I feel like they’d look at me like an annoying lost puppy if I went to them for things. Is it weird to ask them to be “mentors”? I feel like asking them would make them uncomfortable. Does anyone else have people like this in their lives?
 
I grew up with a really rough childhood too. If it weren’t for my mentor(s) in life, I wouldn’t have the awesome life I have now. I don’t think it’s weird at all. Even now, as an active duty Airman (Major), I still make time with my mentors. And when you’re ready, you can be a mentor to others. =)
 
I believe most individuals would be honored by such a request…
 
Ask that nice couple to introduce you to other suitable people as well.

The art of introducing has nearly gone out.

Everybody needs community. Churches forget that.

Hopefully they will want to join in but it is extra nice for them if they know there are others as well, so they don’t feel too much emotional strain or undue burden.

And think of what everyone will be learning from you the while!
 
“I believe most individuals…” Really? I am often in the minority with my opinions and quite possibly on this topic. I would feel quite uncomfortable if someone asked me if I would be their mentor. I think probably because I wouldn’t want that responsibility which I feel is a huge one. Now on the other hand if someone were simply using me as a role model (unknown to me) that is a different situation. I have used many people in my life as role models (and still do) to learn how to behave and how not to behave. I see something I like in a person and try to incorporate that into my life as well as letting go of something that I may do that someone else does that I realize is wrong or unacceptable behavior. I have learned good behavior from my kids and grandkids and bad behavior from my parents and co-workers. I’m not saying it is wrong that someone is asked to be a mentor, I just don’t think that would be for me in that context.
 
May the Lord bless you and help you to heal.
If you don’t actually have a mentor, I ask the Lord in any case to give you strength to go forward.
It isn’t always necessary to have a particular mentor for find your own strength.
I lost my mother young, my stepmother was critical and unfriendly, until later in life.
I was separated from my family after marriage by over 1000 miles, and was justifiably nervous of my parent-in-law in the first several years.
You cope. You grow strong in yourself.
Don’t feel afraid if you don’t find a substitute family ( your mentor need seems a little like that).
Perhaps the Lord will answer that prayer. Certainly I hope you will find family,
God is your loving Father, and His Angel is always with you.
May God bless your life abundantly
 
I agree. Go ahead and ask them. You are blessed to have found good mentors. Consider it as a gift from God. 🙂
 
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