by sparrowdown 14 Replies latest jw friends
Question: Do you think the "double-lifers" have the best of both worlds?
Just asking, because I have wondered, if I had an outlet to express my utter
disgust and general dissatisfaction with WT teachings and cong-life while I
was still in, ie on forums etc, maybe I would never have left.
Just a thought, anyone else have any?
I think it's a prison sentence, yes. Speaking as a double-lifer, that is. And, I would say it causes a lot of health issues . . . not just mental. The stress alone of knowing TTATT and not being able to freely talk about it causes a lot more physical issues than I would have anticipated.
Living a 'double life' brings on a lot of inner stress. Similar to an 'in the closet' gay person trying to maintain a straight image. If at all possible, the best bet is to fade or find some way to ditch the JW life totally. Freedom and peace of mind is preferable to trying to maintain the 'false image' of being a JW
The stress alone of knowing TTATT and not being able to freely talk about it causes a lot more physical issues than I would have anticipated.
It harms your physical health? Really?
I have been a double lifer since 1964 just months after my baptism at the age of 14. now That I'm 2 months from my 67th birthday I am still a doublr lifer in order to have some association with still in JW famiy. This is still part of life for me and my husband even though we havent attended meeting for 20 yearscexcept for funerals, weddings and a cuple of Memorials. It is no way foe anyone to live life.
"The best of both worlds" only applies when there is good to be had in both "worlds."
Giving voice to my frustrations may let me manage in the mean time, but it also solidifies in my mind that this destructive cult deserves no support from me, including the impression on others that I support it by my mere presence at meetings. I get nothing whatsoever from this cult, once I've managed to play my cards such that I won't lose my wife in my exit, I'll never return.
I have a problem with the way the question is phrased. The "double-lifers" I knew grewing up in the religion were kids who just wanted to do their own thing and tried not to get caught doing it. They didn't know TTATT, they just didn't like the rules. It's hard for me to say if that is a good way to live, as the little ways I broke the rules caused me stress, and you're always a hair's-breadth from getting reproved or worse. But at least you have a fairly bearable life. Knowing TTATT and still having to stay active, on the other hand, is very much a prison sentence.
Thank you all for your honest responses.
Leaving the borg is bloody hard some days, so much so that occasionally
I wonder if going back and lying to everyone is a reasonable compromise.
Crazy talk I know.
FML
It harms your physical health? Really?
Yes. I won't go into personal details as it falls under the category of "too much information". However, do a Google search on stress related physical problems. I am fortunate to only have a few of the problems mentions, and nothing that can't be reversed if I can remove or reduce the stress.
