I guess that suggestion that I feel guilty for abandoning him is pretty close to the truth. I thought about it all night, and it's really close to the mark. He's a good person deep down, who's got some serious issues that I can't help out with. He's going through some very difficult times right now. I spoke to the 'mutual friend' of ours last night as well, and I gather that JJ is very, very depressed.
His affair with this woman is an off again, on again, thing I think. I know that is difficult in normal life, but I am beginning to see that for a JW it's a whole different story. He's young, and has lived his whole life in a small town in the midwest, raised by very devout JW's, lives at home, and from the little he's told me, it seems like he wants to move away, but as he put it "obligations keep me here, no matter what I may want". This mutual friend told me that really most of JJ's connection to the outside world is the internet. He's done things like gone to visit this mutual friend before and stayed for a couple of weeks, but I was told he did little while he was there, hardly leaving the house spending most of his time on the computer.
This married woman he's been seeing, I was told, was using him/is using him to get out of her own marriage, yet she wants JJ to be the one to take care of her now. She has a child with her husband, and like I said, she's 28 and JJ is only 19. He works part time, and lives at home with his parents. She is the first girlfriend for him, the one he lost his virginity too, and he's always been quiet, shy and withdrawn.
So my friend told me that JJ was going through hell, as he was being shunned, and was wanting what he wanted, but also wanted to keep his family happy, and now there is some kind of dispute between families going on?????
I don't know. I don't understand what he is going through, and it sounds like it must be living hell for anyone to be going through this. I don't understand a lot of the behaviours and belief's. I guess I feel like I am letting him down by not being there for him, even though it was pretty much a one was street thing. Maybe I am a product of my age, and how I was brought up.
I don't think I would be capable of being a good JW or friend to one, if what I am reading/hearing is true, because I am not able to 'toe the line' like it seems they expect. I would have a hard time accepting a lot and keeping my mouth shut. LOL, I am pretty vocal when I am passionate about something. I don't mind going toe to toe with someone, and I would hate to do that with someone I considered a friend.
I enjoy life too much for that type of belief system. I take pleasure in things, and see the wonder and joy mother nature provides every single day. I know that my time on this planet is very, very limited, and I want to make the most of the experience.
I do know that I've told everyone I know, that no matter what happens in your life you need to make the very most of every single day, make yourself happy first and foremost because if you can't make yourself happy then how can you do that same for anyone else?, and lastly live for the day. My husband was killed very unexpectedly nearly 7 years ago. He left for work in the morning, kissed me goodbye and that was the last time I saw him alive. He was only 25 yrs old. Live and enjoy each day like it could be your last because if very well could be. Don't put off doing things saying...well, I'll do it later, do it NOW. Tell those you care about how you feel, instead of "getting around to it". Just be happy.
I am glad I found this place.
Oh and Stefanie ~ No need to warn me about Jared & his horniness, the smart money is giving him the warning about me!