So are my JW friends really my friends

reniaa

Come on shawn even you have to admit the bias of this site? it is unashamably negative on WTs and a lot of opinion given as facts and one thing i noticed is not much quotes from sources given either, I'm not condemning the site just saying you will only get one side of the story on here and you have to be balanced and look at the alternatives too, is that a bad thing for me suggest?

sass_my_frass

You have to decide for yourself whether they're your 'friends', but it's a moot question really. What is important is that most of them, out of their extreme love for you, are going to treat you terribly. This obviously tells you that they're a bit messed up. You have to go through the confusion of working out what to do with all this rejection you're going to get. It can make you angry at them, which turns out to be pointless. Try to turn it into pity instead. Then try to realise that not only do you not need whatever kind of friendship that is, you're better off without the manipulation.

ldrnomo

There's a song that Eric Clapton did on his "Unplugged CD" called "Nobody loves you when your down and out"

You my friend are down and out!

LD

WTWizard

Someone that is a true friend is not going to care if your beliefs are different from them, as long as you do not try to force each other's beliefs on each other. If, however, the "friendship" is contingent on obeying rules that have no bearing on each other (or that actually hamper creation of value within the relationship) or believing what some third party (like the Filthful and Disgraceful Slavebugger) says, it is not a true friend.

Shawn10538

And WT,org is unabshedly positive. So now, answer my question.

no more kool aid

No they are not real friends. They are conditional friends. Your brother is your friend. The fact that he'll still have you after you've shunned him. He is your friend!

BizzyBee

Come on shawn even you have to admit the bias of this site? it is unashamably negative on WTs and a lot of opinion given as facts and one thing i noticed is not much quotes from sources given either, I'm not condemning the site just saying you will only get one side of the story on here and you have to be balanced and look at the alternatives too, is that a bad thing for me suggest?

Excuse me, Reniaa, but most of us here got only one side of the story when we were JWs. Personally, I was never allowed or encouraged to see any other side except the JWs. (I guess things in the organization have changed since JWs are now allowed to visit sites like this.) Ex-JWs already KNOW the other side - the JW side - that's why we're here.

As to your observation about love-bombing/shunning: you know perfectly well that it is about timing. If you are a newly interested person you get love-bombed. If you are fading or DFd/DAd then you are shunned. Watchtower 101.

Why do you pretend to be confused by this?

OUTLAW

Reniaa..Negative comments about the WBT$,can be backed up with they`re own literature..The WBT$ is they`re own worst enemy........Have you forgotten who my fellow share holders are,in the Rand Cam Engine Corp.?..It`s the WBT$.. Tank 2 ...................... Laughing Mutley ...OUTLAW

caliber

Bonafide,

they feel that they are doing whats right, that they want the best for me. They want me to have everlasting life.

Sorry, but now you are viewed as "dangerous" and to be avoided as one who might "spoil useful habits."

This is a morbid example but ..I seem pictures and a story about the Nazi's in Russia WW2 .Where they

hung a beautiful Russian girl in the public square as a underground in-formate. The towns people were

told if they did leave the body to hung and rot..they would be back to hang another ! When fear rather

than love rules you mind you become paralyzed with inaction. Accept this but hope for future awakening.

But don't let your heart for them be chained ... knowledge is power and freedom !

Caliber

digderidoo

Bonafide,

The friendship they offer you is conditional, i think you are finding that out as time goes on. I'm also sorry to say that the love and friendship you had for your brother was also conditional. You may have felt in your heart that you were doing the right thing, i am also sure deep down that you did love your brother, but it is only now that you are offering your brother unconditional love and friendship.

If you were ever to leave the 'truth' and you began to experience friendships with so called 'worldly' people, you will begin to see the difference between real friends and conditional friends.

Just my thoughts.

Paul

So are my JW friends really my friends - or not?