The “Relating to Non-JW's” thread made me think a lot about myself and where I am and what I’m doing now. I have to figure out where I’m going wrong! Has anyone had similar experiences to me as far as relationships with non-witnesses are concerned?
Here’s the story: I keep my JW association pretty much under wraps socially, and I don’t like to talk about it at work – I don’t like to be thought of as a weirdo. The society repeatedly warns of “worldly” association, but they make out that it is a constant threat! Several times in the past they have said that because of our chaste conduct we are supposed to be more attractive to “people in the world”, and so we must all be on guard – “worldly” folk are all out to have their wicked way with us!
Well, I beg to differ, because my upbringing has had quite the opposite effect. I find it difficult to form relationships to say the least. I feel quite emotionally and socially retarded, and so I can’t compete in the dating game.
Some time ago I decided that it would be really unfair of me to think about having any kind of relationship with anyone “in the truth”, being that I was losing my faith. But now when I get close enough to someone, and feel that I can trust them enough to tell them about the way I was brought up, all about my family etc…, well, after that I generally don’t see them for dust! Surely I can’t lie about myself? Can anyone advise me on how to handle this problem? How do I come clean - how do I approach the subject without frightening them off like I always do? When is the best time to say something?