Where to begin...
I was never baptized but grew up in the "truth", age 0 to 18. My Dad is an elder. He once was proud of me. I was daddys little princess, but too opinionated for my own good. One day he told me that I was once his favorite...but he was now only dissapointed in me. That was the last I could take.
I am attending college (a hard thing to achieve as a JW female, let me tell you) and I fell in love with a "worldly" guy in one of my classes. We have been engaged for 2 years now, getting married in December. We base our relationship on love, equality, and commitment...not outdated ritual and slavery. My parents have finally accepted this, something I fear is not common for others.
I was unpopular in the congregation, having always been independant thinking and opinionated female. I would get pissed when my brother would have a BOYS ONLY super-bowl party ("what does a girl care about football anyway?"). I grew sick of the ideas of men in the congregations...and never understood the servant-like beliefs of the women. The elders are cruel with the exception of a rare few and the young men are bred to be sexist. The congregation is intolerant of other faiths to an arrogant and hateful level. I do not see love any more.
I was a depressed kid too...go figure. No JW friends, and not allowed to have "wordly" friends. I am socially inept due to 18 years of limited social interaction and I am trying to make up for it now. I am 20 years old and now VERY happy with the way things have gone for me.
My sisters still shun me, but who needs em anyway. I have a best friend (my fiance) who makes me happy, and I am happy to be getting a fine education and life experience I deserver.
HI ALL!
I am here now because I am always interested in other peoples perspectives, especially on matters I may be able to contribute in. thanks!
Also, where is this chat everyone keeps talking about?