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I Lost My Phone Number, Can I Have Yours?: Pickup Lines That Don't Work, Scriptural Advice That Does
When it comes to dating, classic pickup lines rarely work. What girl is going to fall for, "If I could rearrange the alphabet, I would put U and I together!" And what respectable guy is going to use the line, "Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?" Instead, author John Hilton III tells us that the best relationship advice can be found by reading the scriptures. John refers to scriptural stories such as Sampson and Delilah, David and Bath-sheba, and Joseph and Potiphar's wife to point out some important relationship lessons. Readers will learn the essentials for the dating years with chapters "Don't Make Girls Cry," "Get Out of Bad Situations," "Immorality Leads to Hate, Not Love," and "Preparing for Temple Marriage." Referring to the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, quotes from Church leaders, and some very funny and poignant personal moments, John Hilton III has written a must-read dating book that LDS parents and teens will be grateful for!
200 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 15, 2008
John Hilton has put together a relationship book that is more than just a re-hash of standard LDS dating rules, restrictions and ideas. “I Lost My Phone Number, Can I Have Yours?” is more like workbook sure to be a help for pre-teens, teens and young adults who would like to use scriptural advice in navigating the waters of “guy-girl” relationships.
In 19 short chapters (7-15 pages each) Hilton explores many facets of relationships, beginning with the all-important familial relationships youth have with parents and siblings to providing guidance for dealing with avoiding temptations and getting out of bad situations or abusive relationships, including advice for: keeping eternal perspectives and being good influences; setting and keeping firm standards; getting back on the right track after a mistake; and for preparing for temple marriages.
His advice includes: “Having an eternal perspective [protects you]. You are not going to marry every person you date. In fact, most of the time you are going out with somebody else’s future eternal companion – so treat your dates accordingly!” (p.63)
Each chapter uses a main scriptural theme to get one point across to the reader. Some scriptural examples drawn from both the Bible and Book of Mormon are obviously tied to relationship realities, such as the stories of Samson and Delilah, Esther, or Joseph and Potipher’s wife, while others are not at first glance related to relationships at all, such as Jacob’s blessing for his eldest son, Reuben, calling him “unstable as water.” Using personal experiences, quotations from general authorities and church publications, as well as plenty of “plain English” examples and explications, Hilton ably shows his readers how to apply these scriptures to relationships in their lives.
Hilton writes, “Nephi taught us that we should ‘liken’ the scriptures to our own lives (see 1 Nephi 19:23). In this book I’ve tried to share with you examples of likening the scriptures. For example, there’s the story of Samson. I might not have long hair or super-human strength, but I can learn the principle ‘be wise’ and apply what happened to Samson to my own life. The scriptures really do have the answers to life’s problems. They helped me after my first date with Lani [his wife] and many other times – and not just in guy-girl relationships.” (p.185)
Hilton includes “Make it Real” guides, possible goals and additional reading supplements at the end of each chapter, which turns this book into a hands-on workbook. This bonus material shows how he has taken to heart advice to apply scriptures to daily life and gives readers some easily accomplished ways to do the same.
Every chapter’s “Make it Real” guide includes the question, “How have you seen the principle [discussed in this chapter] applied (or not applied) in your life and the lives of people you know? In other words, what situations have you or your friends and family been in that relate to the topic of this chapter?” A few blank lines provide an immediate opportunity for readers to write down thoughts.
After the chapter’s application question, Hilton provides 2-3 goals as well as more room for readers to write their own personal goals. Following the list of goals, Hilton specifically asks, “What goal(s) will you set for yourself to more fully [apply the chapter’s suggestions in your life]?” Again, there is space to write down the goal.
Additional reading materials are made easily accessible, not just by the inclusion of church magazine titles and dates, but also internet addresses when available. Authors include current and former LDS General Authorities, General Auxiliary leaders and a few “Anonymous” writers of “New Era” magazine articles. Hilton has obviously made some effort to include advice from and stories about men and women, boys and girls in his book.
In addition to the workbook aspects of Hilton’s guide, he goes beyond the standard LDS dating book by including important information about dealing with different types of difficult relationships. One early chapter is entitled, “Don’t Make Girls Cry” and another is entitled, “Get Help When You Need It”. These and other chapters provide important advice, as well as jumping-off points for discussions, regarding some less-than-ideal, and sometimes hard-to-talk about-relationship issues. As with other chapters, Hilton’s advice includes scriptural references, quotes by General Authorities and reinforcement of the importance of communicating with parents or local leaders when problems arise:
“The principle ‘Get help when you need it’ may seem obvious, but it is rarely easy. ...Sadly, many people today are involved in negative relationships – and some do not know how to get help.” (p. 115) Hilton then provides concrete warning signs evident in many negative relationships and suggests ways to find help: “Pray about your own life. Are you involved in a harmful relationship? Remember, if Elder Holland wouldn’t want you to spend five minutes with someone who is verbally abusive, surely you shouldn’t be involved with someone who is physically or sexually abusive. If you are involved in a negative relationship, get help. Turn to your parents, youth leaders, and bishop or stake president, and trust they will give you the help you need. It might be hard, but it could literally save your life.” (pp. 121-122)
No LDS dating book would be complete without a list of fun, inexpensive dating tips. Hilton includes a large handful of these suggestions, emphasizing ideas that will help couples and groups get to know each other better, such as asking everyone on a group date to write down five questions they want others to answer, put the questions in a hat and have everyone draw (and answer) each question.
The final chapter of the book consists of a quiz with True/False, Multiple Choice and Short Answer Essay questions covering every topic in the book. Correct answers to the questions, along with chapter references where the answers can be found, are provided in an appendix to the book. Another appendix includes about four pages of pick-up lines (some corny, some sweet, some obviously old jokes, and none claimed as original to the author nor guaranteed to work). A secondary “Index by Question” supplements the standard topical index with commonly encountered questions including:
- Can I be forgiven for breaking the law of chastity?
- How can I set firm standards?
- Is it wrong to go steady or to have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
- What should I do if somebody I don’t like keeps asking me out?
- What can I do to make my family a higher priority?
- What have Church leaders said about kissing?
- Why do I have to wait until I’m sixteen to date?
John Hilton has surely drawn on his seminary teaching experience and his obvious ability to communicate with young people to create an easy-to-read reference workbook sure to inspire youth and young adults to examine themselves, their lives and their interpersonal relationships and to do so using a gospel lens and practical scriptural application. Youth anticipating entering the dating scene, as well as older teens and young adults should enjoy this book and find it useful in developing healthy, lasting relationships with the right people, at the right place and for the right time.
In 19 short chapters (7-15 pages each) Hilton explores many facets of relationships, beginning with the all-important familial relationships youth have with parents and siblings to providing guidance for dealing with avoiding temptations and getting out of bad situations or abusive relationships, including advice for: keeping eternal perspectives and being good influences; setting and keeping firm standards; getting back on the right track after a mistake; and for preparing for temple marriages.
His advice includes: “Having an eternal perspective [protects you]. You are not going to marry every person you date. In fact, most of the time you are going out with somebody else’s future eternal companion – so treat your dates accordingly!” (p.63)
Each chapter uses a main scriptural theme to get one point across to the reader. Some scriptural examples drawn from both the Bible and Book of Mormon are obviously tied to relationship realities, such as the stories of Samson and Delilah, Esther, or Joseph and Potipher’s wife, while others are not at first glance related to relationships at all, such as Jacob’s blessing for his eldest son, Reuben, calling him “unstable as water.” Using personal experiences, quotations from general authorities and church publications, as well as plenty of “plain English” examples and explications, Hilton ably shows his readers how to apply these scriptures to relationships in their lives.
Hilton writes, “Nephi taught us that we should ‘liken’ the scriptures to our own lives (see 1 Nephi 19:23). In this book I’ve tried to share with you examples of likening the scriptures. For example, there’s the story of Samson. I might not have long hair or super-human strength, but I can learn the principle ‘be wise’ and apply what happened to Samson to my own life. The scriptures really do have the answers to life’s problems. They helped me after my first date with Lani [his wife] and many other times – and not just in guy-girl relationships.” (p.185)
Hilton includes “Make it Real” guides, possible goals and additional reading supplements at the end of each chapter, which turns this book into a hands-on workbook. This bonus material shows how he has taken to heart advice to apply scriptures to daily life and gives readers some easily accomplished ways to do the same.
Every chapter’s “Make it Real” guide includes the question, “How have you seen the principle [discussed in this chapter] applied (or not applied) in your life and the lives of people you know? In other words, what situations have you or your friends and family been in that relate to the topic of this chapter?” A few blank lines provide an immediate opportunity for readers to write down thoughts.
After the chapter’s application question, Hilton provides 2-3 goals as well as more room for readers to write their own personal goals. Following the list of goals, Hilton specifically asks, “What goal(s) will you set for yourself to more fully [apply the chapter’s suggestions in your life]?” Again, there is space to write down the goal.
Additional reading materials are made easily accessible, not just by the inclusion of church magazine titles and dates, but also internet addresses when available. Authors include current and former LDS General Authorities, General Auxiliary leaders and a few “Anonymous” writers of “New Era” magazine articles. Hilton has obviously made some effort to include advice from and stories about men and women, boys and girls in his book.
In addition to the workbook aspects of Hilton’s guide, he goes beyond the standard LDS dating book by including important information about dealing with different types of difficult relationships. One early chapter is entitled, “Don’t Make Girls Cry” and another is entitled, “Get Help When You Need It”. These and other chapters provide important advice, as well as jumping-off points for discussions, regarding some less-than-ideal, and sometimes hard-to-talk about-relationship issues. As with other chapters, Hilton’s advice includes scriptural references, quotes by General Authorities and reinforcement of the importance of communicating with parents or local leaders when problems arise:
“The principle ‘Get help when you need it’ may seem obvious, but it is rarely easy. ...Sadly, many people today are involved in negative relationships – and some do not know how to get help.” (p. 115) Hilton then provides concrete warning signs evident in many negative relationships and suggests ways to find help: “Pray about your own life. Are you involved in a harmful relationship? Remember, if Elder Holland wouldn’t want you to spend five minutes with someone who is verbally abusive, surely you shouldn’t be involved with someone who is physically or sexually abusive. If you are involved in a negative relationship, get help. Turn to your parents, youth leaders, and bishop or stake president, and trust they will give you the help you need. It might be hard, but it could literally save your life.” (pp. 121-122)
No LDS dating book would be complete without a list of fun, inexpensive dating tips. Hilton includes a large handful of these suggestions, emphasizing ideas that will help couples and groups get to know each other better, such as asking everyone on a group date to write down five questions they want others to answer, put the questions in a hat and have everyone draw (and answer) each question.
The final chapter of the book consists of a quiz with True/False, Multiple Choice and Short Answer Essay questions covering every topic in the book. Correct answers to the questions, along with chapter references where the answers can be found, are provided in an appendix to the book. Another appendix includes about four pages of pick-up lines (some corny, some sweet, some obviously old jokes, and none claimed as original to the author nor guaranteed to work). A secondary “Index by Question” supplements the standard topical index with commonly encountered questions including:
- Can I be forgiven for breaking the law of chastity?
- How can I set firm standards?
- Is it wrong to go steady or to have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
- What should I do if somebody I don’t like keeps asking me out?
- What can I do to make my family a higher priority?
- What have Church leaders said about kissing?
- Why do I have to wait until I’m sixteen to date?
John Hilton has surely drawn on his seminary teaching experience and his obvious ability to communicate with young people to create an easy-to-read reference workbook sure to inspire youth and young adults to examine themselves, their lives and their interpersonal relationships and to do so using a gospel lens and practical scriptural application. Youth anticipating entering the dating scene, as well as older teens and young adults should enjoy this book and find it useful in developing healthy, lasting relationships with the right people, at the right place and for the right time.
July 6, 2018
I was surprised by how much I got out of it! I guess I judged by the cover that it would by somewhat juvenile and that it would just be reiteration of things I've heard before, but he really had some good points that made me think. I like how he used so many quotes from prophets and the scriptures and gave additional material after each chapter. I think it would be a good read for any teenager or young adult.
March 18, 2009
WOH! Your not going to belive this! I love this book like no other, and one saturday i woke up, did my paper rout, and when i got home i decided to read this book. Well if you know me, i wouldn't be cought reading on a saturday morning.. EVER! So i read it and a little later that day I went to EFY. Well guess who happened to be one of the speakers? Of coarse! It was the aurthor of this book! So I went and talk to(John Hilton 3)him and it was, by far, the coolest thing ever! So just take my advice, don't be affraid of picking up a good book and reading it!! You never know what might happen!!
October 17, 2008
I am about half way through this book. I really like it so far. It is really good. It has a good message and it has some really funny stories in it to.
December 21, 2008
I found this book funny and helpful.
Want to read
March 18, 2009i totally wanna read this is because my sister is reading it! and she says it's a good book so i must to read it some day!!!! and ya it looks very interesting!
April 9, 2009
This was really fun to read! There are alot of cheesy pick up lines!! but it's good reading with a good message
August 31, 2009
This book had some wonderful advice and pick-up lines that were just plain funny.
May 1, 2008
funny pickup lines... I love brother Hilton, he's the coolest teacher ever!
August 28, 2018
Love this author! Great book :)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews