Lunatic Faith said: I don't understand how someone could stay associated with the WBTS even after they know it's not the truth.
Yes, it's because there is so much at stake.........perhaps all of one's family relationships.........one's entire network of friends.........maybe even business relationships. For someone in such a position, the only way "out" is to FADE. And even with that, you would have to be careful to never "break the rules" because if word of that happening got back to the BOE, there would be the chance that they would be breathing down your neck to "keep the cong clean".
Thus, NO holidays, NO birthdays, NO other religion, NO excesses (booze, etc), NO politics, NO smoking. Since you haven't participated in any of that for all the years in the bOrg, then perhaps it would not be a problem continuing to live that lifestyle -- Unfortunately, many who leave feel they have missed out on some of those things and embrace them to the full. Also, add to that list, NO APOSTACY! You'd have to keep your mouth shut and be discreet about any disagreements with the GB doctrines. But at least you wouldn't be caught up in the meetings, FS, other responsibilities, etc. Continue to do your Family Worship, just stay with the Bible, just as others have mentioned on this board. That could prove very interesting. Just NO dissenting comments about JW doctrine. Let the Bible speak for itself. Kids discern a lot more than we tend to give them credit.
Now that you are spiritually weak &/or depressed, and you've become inactive, I suspect from what I've read here, and from witnessing other local examples, that your network of friends would gradually become smaller and less and less of a significant role in your life. But, you would not be mandatorily shunned by everyone, esp those important to you like your family members.
The relationship changes that could occur within your marriage are unique to your own situation. Obviously it would be better if a couple were in agreement on doing a FADE. But if that's not possible, one would hope that the marital relationship would continue on a good basis. Although in your case Elderelite, it sounds like your wife is already accustomed to withholding the "due" whenever things don't go her way. I doubt that would be any different regarding a FADE.
