I have ONLY 3 JW relatives. They are fun to watch. I just observe them now, and never make comment on JW things. They were all here this weekend, going in and out.
They all associate with me, becuase I was never baptised. They "ignore" my religious views; which I have been about as vocal as they come. I've basically told them all, to their faces at various points, that it's a cult, mind control, don't believe in the Bible, flip flops, and laughed my fanny off at the religion. Even though I have totally different views, they will not shun me.
Oldest JW tries very hard to be humble, pioneer, read, study for lessons, follow rules, etc. Will only date with a chaperone. Would never dance with anyone but a spouse. But, the elders give #1 a hard time, as JW1 is eccentric and probably suffers from OCD. JW1 gets mad at them, like when a study needs financial help and the elders will not help out . . . or the WTS wants JW1 to house building volunteers, but will not recommend JW1 stay at other JW houses when traveling. But, throughout it all, JW1 stays faithful. JW1 complains that JW2 doesn't go out in service enough. JW1 thinks I'm going to make it into Paradise. I just didn't have the heart to say, "Hell no, I don't want to spend eternity with JWs" So, I just stayed silent.
JW2 is a "born again" JW. Having reached middle age, no marraige (not even dating), no kids, . . . . went full blown JW. Goes out in service, the bare minimum though. (But, made a point to mention to me that she was recently out in service...). JW2 has the full blown demon-possession fear going on inside her mind. Was absolutely afraid of one Christmas ornament I left out. Saw it, and ran from the room. JW2 MAKES ABSOLUTELY SURE TO TOUT AT LEAST 1 pro-JW quip whilst in my midst. I can just see that she's trying to "beat Satan" (me) away in a show to prove to me (Satan) that she is strong in her devotion for Jehovah's ocean. JW2 absolutely HATES things I do (like birthday parties, Christmas). Makes snide remarks to other relatives, which all gets back to me. JW2 proudly does alot of 'bad' things that she actually admits to me. Again, I am chuckling in silent. JW2 competes in competitions. JW2 buys "scratch off" tickets, and likes to associate with a super "worldly" friend (like goes on vacations together, etc.) But, it's the snideness of JW2 that I really can't stand. . . .and I try to remember that that is the cult-personality coming out. The real JW2, underneath it all, is a gem of a person. But, the cult has screwed it all up. Now, JW2's main mission in life is to recruit JW3.
JW3 is one of those "lifer" studies. JW2 must have been hounding JW3 to go to this past Sunday's meeting. For, when JW3 was obviously not going, JW2 did that "snarl" (like Satan won). OMG - too funny. JW2 has JWs "dropping in" on JW3 to make sure JW3 doesn't forget important meetings. Oh, this group does the "we missed you at hte meeting, are you going tomorrow". OMG, it's so fake. This group of "Friends" is only there for JW3 to get service hours in. JW3 totally "clings" to the "Truth." If backed into a corner, JW3 will defend. But, JW3 goes to a meeting about once every 2 months. In the meantime, JW3 loves to go to big & small casinos (for the spouse's benefit, of course), nightclubs, birthday parties, dressing up for Hallowing, likes everyone (including gay/lesbian) people, and can be considered a very logical person. Worldly relatives who know JW2, think very highly. Oh, but JW3 doesn't tell JW2 any of the extra-Kingdumb Hall activities.
...
And so, I sit quietly and watch this small group deal with the cult to which they are entrapped. JWs are sure fun to watch.
Thank you for allowing me an outlet.