There has to be an opening for proselytizing to take hold. Mormons teach these young men to look for these openings. Situations include difficulties in one's life - difficulty in a relationship, loss from all sorts of situations, etc. One guy I knew who returned from his mission said he had more converts from teaching them how to make carmal apples. It was something relaxing allowing his prospects to let their guard down.

I grew up in the JW cult, so do I try to engage with them? Generally not because I know how deep the programming goes with them but if I sense a bit of doubt then I am in like a dirty shirt.

Ah yes, the Moron ( typo Mormon) Missionaries, genital herpes on bicycles because once they've got your number you have a hellova time getting rid of them.

I'm always so torn!

On the one hand, if I invite them into my home, they become my invited guests, and it would be rude for me to deprogram them.

On the other hand...they started that game.

Saturday morning funnies for me. I'm aware of the animus toward them and how facing it's a badge of honor for them, so I hang out with them on the front porch and shoot the shit. They've got just much a chance of converting me as I do of them, so I just enjoy a bit of playful bit of antagonism. In the end, I've also got the barb that during one of their visits, my son was so swayed by their arguments that for years afterwards, he told people he was an atheist, and so I thank them for their ministry and efforts to bring others into the light, as they did my son.

Last time they showed up I told them if I ever found them on my property again they wouldn't like the result. Haven't had a problem since