Elder collects stories from freshman girls about the awkwardness of interacting with returned missionaries (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have recently returned from two-year proselytizing missions and are stereotypically socially awkward and intent on marrying quickly and starting a family). Elder feels that girls circulate stories about awkward returned missionary encounters as a release valve, as a form of social control, and as an educational tool. Girls share stories about returned missionaries because they are tired of being socially polite and desire a release from that expectation. Returned missionary stories also serve as a form of social control, reminding girls that dating a returned missionaries and getting married early is frowned upon. Finally, Elder claims that returned missionary stories are circulated to remind pre-missionary boys to not make the same mistakes when they come home from their missions. Created by Nicole Elder when she was enrolled in Eric Eliason's English 391 course in Winter 2005.