The "New Personality"

iiz2cool

When we were JW's we were constantly reminded to put on a "new personality". Now, before I was a JW I was friendly and easy to get along with. It only took a few years of exposure to the cult before I noticed personality changes. Others noticed too. I was constantly in a state of anger, and it was at it's worst the last few years. I felt as though I hated everyone, and could practically mutilate anyone who crossed my path. Naturally, I kept this under control, but it caused a lot of stress, and as a result, health problems like high blood pressure.

Now that I'm out, only for a few months, I'm noticing a change. I'm feeling more like the calm laid-back person I used to be. I no longer view other people as mere obstacles to be overcome. My blood pressure is ok now, and I don't even need the medication for it any more.

How about you? Were you always angry as a JW? How has your personality changed since leaving the cult?

Walter

StinkyPantz

I was a happy JW. I'm angry now.

rocketman

I know one thing - I looked at nearly all people outside the jw religion with a jaundiced eye, taught well to view them as "wordly" and since they "did not share my beliefs" unworthy of my extended association. I battled this urge constantly, but it's pretty much a force-fed viewpoint that is not natural to most humans.

Now free of that, I am much more at ease around people. I no longer view them as having the potential to sabotage my "faith".

talesin

I was depressed and suicidal, even as a child.

Then, after I left, I was angry for a long time, along with being depressed.

Now, I'm calm and very much the peacemaker (usually). I still get depressed at times.

tal

Lady Lee

The "new personality" that one is "encouraged" to put on is devoid of reality - forced happiness, no genuine expression of feelings, controlled behaviors and thoughts. Everything becomes about appearances and what will others think.

This takes a toll on a person who has not been able to totally repress the real self. The real self will struggle for expression nad it will often come out as depression, anger or health problems

I was depressed. It went away after I left and got therapy

garybuss

I didn't do well under stress. The Watch Tower Publishing Corporation put me under a lot of stress. I am glad to be away from it all. Life has enough natural stress without a book publisher adding undue stress to it. Fear was the thing I remember as a Witness. When the fear went away a period of anger took it's place. Then peace. GaryB

Sassy

I am a lot happier now.

lastcall

.......and it only gets better 2cool. You were prolly all bunged up by all the meetings, service, magazine highlighting, assemblies, talk giving, conforming, and the phoney bs. Your free now and you can reclaim the other half of your brain that you had to give up at your baptism.

Undecided

It's been so long since I was a dub I can't remember very well how I was, but I can remember making friends with people I worked with. I flirted with the girls and joked with the men. I'm surprised I didn't get in trouble with the cong. but I was the PO. I sort of had two personalities, you know, a two faced SOB. It's good to be able to be who I am now without all the rules and guide lines except the ones I make. I think I am a better person now that I am free.

Ken P.

ESTEE

Lot happier now ... after shedding buckets of religion-induced "FearTM" ...

ESTEE

The "New Personality"

Share this