Are there times when it's better to say nothing?

by compound complex 26 Replies latest jw friends

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  compound complex

  Dear OUTLAW:

  Yes, I've known some "AGuest" people myself. I'm willing to listen and want the freedom likewise to share. But, of course, avoid a mob scene at all costs!

  If I cast my bread upon the waters won't it return soggy?!?!?

  Thanks, my friend!

  Dear Rebel:

  The people I'm around bring it up to count a return visit and to try to manipulate me. I won't have it.
  NO! - I will not suffer becoming any JW's return visit! Amen!

  Thanks for editing and adding those examples of your following the JW lead by supplying your own snappy (but respectful) retorts.

  Very helpful.

  Gracias.

  CoCo
• 

  compound complex

  Dear Stilla:

  I just regard it as Theocratic Warfare Strategy. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Turn about is fair play. What goes around comes around ... (Where's a good cliche' when you need one?) It works for me! Thanks. CoCo
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  Clam

  Hi there CoCo,

  'I have many things to tell you, but you are not able to bear them at present.'

  I like that! Wouldn't it be precious to debate their "truth" and ask them to look up that passage? A bible study in reverse.

  I'm glad to say that the JWs in my family have mellowed appreciably. Indeed my brother-in-law even asked me what I was up to for Christmas the other day. One of my sisters even shared a field service anecdote, relaying how one elderly and grumpy old man had said that the resurrection would be the last thing he wanted, since it would mean he'd have his deceased wife to contend with all over again. She chuckled, whereas once upon a time this would've horrified her. It leaves me in no man's land: tempted to engage them but loathe to ruffle their feathers. I've no doubt that if they were the rabid pontificators they once were, far from keeping quiet I'd happily try and knock them off their Watchtower perch.

  A not so uneasy truce prevails for now.

  Clam
• 

  hillbilly

  "never pass up a good chance to shut up" has worked for me...

  Hill
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  no more kool aid

  I have to remind myself to shut up constantly because I am trying fade so I can still talk to family. The problem is when you have a dear friend who has so many problems, and because I am out can see that they are all because of her JW life style. She knows I don't go to meetings anymore, but if I shared everything with her she would turn me in to the elders (thinking she was doing me a favor). It's so hard to watch your parents waste their life away waiting for armageddon, but if you say anything you risk never talking to them again. Thank you for the reminder.
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  compound complex

  A not so uneasy truce prevails for now.

  Clam

  That's interesting about your family's mellowing out. Maybe it's an inevitable evolution toward normalcy that takes your JWs unawares. Not that many true-believers turn normal and wind up surprising us.

  I totally relate to your comment above. Among former and current JWs who happen to remain on speaking terms, no one is talking about the giant apostate elephant sitting in the middle of the room.

  Good hearing from you - have missed you.

  "never pass up a good chance to shut up" has worked for me...

  Hill

  It's really tough walking away with both feet in your mouth (speaking for moiself, naturellement!)

  Thanks for your pithy prose ...

  if you say anything you risk never talking to them again. Thank you for the reminder.

  No more kool aid

  I see the same scenario you describe with some JW friends who are really mentally and emotionally unstable. I want to help them but fear sending them over the edge if they realize (through my talk) they've wasted their life. Maybe I'm presuming too much. It's a fine line between madness and sanity, or some such ...

  Thanks all for your comments. They've been enlightening.

  CoCo
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  Elsewhere
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  musky

  I think in the long run,actions speak louder than words.
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  compound complex

  Hey Elsewhere:

  Your silence speaks volumes.

  Thanks for "nothing"!

  Hello Musky:

  Good advice. No point in alienating them unnecessarily. Otherwise you could lose all future opportunities.

  Thank you for replying.
  
  
  CoCo
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  I quit!

  I like Elsewhere's point