Tell them that going to the meetings keeps reminding you of all
the problems in the world and you feel a deep pain in your chest
just thinking about it. Basically, just think about field service and
participation in the TMS, then take that feeling to other subjects.
This is brilliant. Because of course the JW premise should make one physically ill.
Medical textbook ill.
But I think that using illness, or extended illness, as an excuse for not attending meetings is just wrong. No matter how diseased you are (compound complex, yes, I'm thinking of you), health is a wonderful thing, and ill-health is a tragedy.
Most excellent is the old-fashioned honest approach.
He later asked me after the meeting if I would like to go on some bible studies with him in the evenings. "No." He said, "Oh, I understand, busy with work and the family, hard to get away." At this point I was the most honest I had ever been. "No, that's not it. I don't want to go on the studies. But thanks for asking."It was the best thing I have ever done. I have not been back since and no one has called. Honesty is the best way to get a dub to leave you alone. They have no idea what to say when you tell them the truth. They want to hear an excuse so that they can believe that deep down you really want to be like them. It is inconceivable to them that anyone would actually want to stay away and then be honest about it. It scares them so much that they won't talk to you anymore. I personally think that they are so jealous of your ability to tell it like it is that they can't deal with it.
When all else fails, tell the truth.
BTW, has anyone else noticed how the ill-health of a "sister" is proportionate to her husband's ranking in the congregation?
Bless all you ill sisters.
Start telling "the truth", sisters, and you'll be amazed at how well you feel.