I am 24 and no longer a practicing JW and new to this. I have been in a relationship with a non-jw and it was frustrating, confusing and in the end alot of heartache. Why? Because there were 2 different people, with an attraction, things in common and 2 different faiths.
Being in a relationship where one is a jw and the other is not, is difficult because if religion is a major part of one's life, it is often what decisions are based upon, including intimate relationships with the opposite sex. For example, in my situation, I was raised as a witness and taught by my parents, who both had been devout Catholics and converted to being jw's, I did not have to accept my parents new faith. I questioned it, i looked at other religions, made comparisons, and then made my own choice. I became a witness, and was such for 6 years. My partner pursed me and i ran, primarily because I knew a relationship with this man would not work because he did not share the same interest in religion as i. But I ended up being with my partner, after i had made the personal decision to no longer be a jw, this was not easy as my family and friends were witnesses.
Being a witness is a personal choice, it is not just your mind and body involved but your heart (your motives, desires, needs and wants). people are and will be motivated to follow a path in life based upon what they know and feel, this includes life, love and religion. An important thing to remember is this, a jw is not just a jw but is another human (imperfect, as the rest of us), trying to live lives as instructed by God through his word, I looked at the bible the same way as i did letters and emails i receive from family and friends, filled with stories, guidance and advice.
Joco