She would have had to listen to all the talk at church. People at church would wonder why he was still home. I wanted to leave for a while anyway. I thought it would be a good test of faith. However, I can't honestly say I didn't feel any pressure from the church to go.
People expect it, especially of the men.
It is different for us. I would have been too embarrassed to show my face at church after turning 19. There is a respect you gain when you return home. You give talks, people admire and respect you. It is just easier to go for two years than to deal with resentment for the rest of you life.