Hi. This will be my first post. Although I have read many topics on the forums, this post hit home. I removed myself from the JW organization about four years ago. And moved to anouther state other than where I grew up, for other reasons than the JW organization. It just worked out that way. This has made things that much harder. I have also tried to fit in and make new friends. I have been unable to this on my own. I also feel like I have no true place in the world. I had felt that there was no one who could relate to what I was going through, I joined an internet group, after many friendless days, in hopes of meeting others like me. I was very pleased to find others who have stories very much the same. I can't begin to express how comforting this has been for me. To just know that there are othersjust like me. I have yet to cry for the loss of my JW friends, until this past week when a co-worker felt the need to point out that I have no friends ( no shit I had not noticed). It had not really hit until then. At that moment I felt like a worthless person. This went on for three days. Even though I know that I am a wonderful person and that I had always been a good friend to many who I thought were my true friends. She was right, but had no clue why this was, nor would she even be able to grasp such an explanation if I should choose to give one. And, I being a well trained (ex) JW, I kept my lips shut, as I have about so much in the past. I cried on and off for three days. I let my online friends know what was going on with me, to be able to let go of some anger that was building up inside. They shared their understanding and thoughts. It was so nice to feel the loving hugs. Even if over the internet. So, true friends can be a just the push of a few keys on your key board away. A true friend doesn't need to live next door at all. It is the people who understand you and are there for you when things seem bad, or at the best of times. I talked to my mother about this, who also an ex JW. She sugested that I volunteer for some community group in my area. And in this way I should be able to meet others my age, and others who care about people the way that I do. It is hard once you have grown up to make the kind of friends that you should have made as a child. If you have any extra time you may want to go back to school a good way to build a good strong friendship. But don't forget we are all here for you!! Just a few hits on a key board.
charli33
JoinedPosts by charli33
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31
Making real friends
by choosing life ini have been away from the meetings for about a year now.
i recently attended a funeral and the witnesses mostly avoided me even though i am not disfellowshipped.
my problem is i need to replace my old friends because they look at me with such suspicion now.. i never had trouble making friends before i was a witness,but that was 30 years ago.