Once you find the first lie it really opens your mind. What else are they lying about? Well turns out, just about everything.
Ada
i had a conversation with a friend who has been inactive for over many years.
he has really been there for me since i need an outlet to talk about my situation.. i finally found out one of the reasons he went inactive - he said he had read an article in one of the wt's, and then a few weeks later, he read an article that seemed to contradict the previous article.
when he questioned this to an elder, the guy basically chastised him for questioning it and would not contact brooklyn for clarification.
Once you find the first lie it really opens your mind. What else are they lying about? Well turns out, just about everything.
Ada
this is huge (to me).
my wife won't clink glasses.
she won't watch anything r-rated or any shows/movies with a mystical or religious theme or undertone.
I have heard of someone getting DF'd for this, so no wonder people keep it on the down-low. Good for your wife, though, shows some independence, perhaps just a glimmer of hope, I hope this is just the first of many hopeful signs.
Ada
a recent asleep and a 80's brouchure somebodys reject from spring cleaning no doubt.felt good to trash them and cover them in dryer lint :-).
I either throw them away or write the silent lambs website URL on the cover. But I rarely go to laundry mats.
Ada
this was so important to us i forget the dates we got the kit, early spring maybe??.
an elder called my wife.
he had something very important to give us.
They wouldn't have a clue where to find me. My mom would give me up in a minute, but she doesn't know my address either. In my defense, my mom has borderline personality disorder, a more bitter, manipulative woman you will never meet. It's much better this way. So, no packet. Though if I knew they were coming with my packet I might have some fun with it.
Ada
i still can't believe it.
she was here for the bbq, we had an awesome time, laughing, her telling stories from our childhoods.
i gave her a hug and told her i loved her before she left.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Bumble Bee, your family are in my prayers.
Ada
hi posters.
something has really been bothering me a lot lately.
in a nutshell i faded about 4 years ago.
The only reason some people maintain those friendships is because of JWs who don't tow the party line as faithfully or should I say as fanatically as others do. I didn't maintain friends either, but it doesn't have anything to do with how nice you are. I think once you figure out how to make friends outside of the organization you will realize what real friends are. Not that all of them are, by any means, but real friends will stick by you in the tough times, thats how you know.
I'll tell you one thing, from being in a family where we weren't considered "strong" enough witnesses so that I didn't get to associate with the kids my age inside, and a fanatical mother who made damn sure we never said two words to anyone outside, I can tell you I'm a bit socially retarded. Sorry, its the only word that fits. But even so, I have managed to make some good friends outside.
Sometimes therapy helps you get past the distrust. But you really have to let go of your fear that all people outside are evil. Actually what you come to find out is that it's about the same percentage as the ones inside (who are evil).
Good luck!
Ada
i have been a pittsburgh steelers fan since 1970. had a friendly competition then with my dad, he was a dallas fan, and in those days it went back and forth a few times between the teams.. today i just wanted to say..... go steelers.
time to kick some bear patootie!.
.
dammit, good game but I wish the outcome had gone the other way
Tex - No doubt you hate my boys if you are from Texas lol.
now I have to listen to my co-worker gloat..... ***heavy sigh***
i have been a pittsburgh steelers fan since 1970. had a friendly competition then with my dad, he was a dallas fan, and in those days it went back and forth a few times between the teams.. today i just wanted to say..... go steelers.
time to kick some bear patootie!.
.
Soccer is the new big deal here too. But when and where I grew up, no one really played it. I never really understood it. But hey, hope your team wins.
Ada
i have been a pittsburgh steelers fan since 1970. had a friendly competition then with my dad, he was a dallas fan, and in those days it went back and forth a few times between the teams.. today i just wanted to say..... go steelers.
time to kick some bear patootie!.
.
Jook, whats that mean? I know it must have to do with soccer??
just throwing some thoughts out there.
wondering if anyone feels the same as i do.
you know, being brought up not being allowed to date until you were 'of marrying age'.
Nothing wrong with not dating. But if you do, I think it takes a good while to get to really know a person, and I think you have to live with someone for well over a year much longer, really, before you truly know them. Everyone wants to put their best foot forward in the dating process, they don't let their guard down until much later.
Good read: "Are you the one for me?" Barbara D'Angelo (I'm pretty sure thats how to spell it. She talks about how much more we research a car buy or a piece of furniture, than someone we plan on spending the rest of our life with. There are red flags you should watch out for. She recommends making a list of things that are "have to haves" and things that are good but less important, the things you can compromise on. If you and your potential love disagree on things in your "have to have" list those would be a red flag that no matter how much you are attracted them, you really are not going to suit. Its important to not leave the whole matter up to your hormones.
Ada