BLUESAPPHIRE- I've read everyone's post- so I'm trying to think of something intelligent to say to have a positive influence here. Let me ask you a question : Even when you and your hubby were active in the witnesses , did you get along with your in-laws ever ? Or have they always been a challenge to get along with ? The reason I ask this is because in my marriage to a JW woman ( married 19 years til 1998) her relatives were INCREDIBLY hard to get along with . They were trailer park type JW's who got in all kinds of dysfunctional hassles with not only me , but my wife herself , and other people in the congregation ! I think they would have been difficult to deal with had they been witnesses or non-witnesses. Some people arejust a-holes to deal with.
But I am a huge believer that a man and woman should consider each other FIRST before in-laws. Your husband needs to grow some stones and talk about you with his relatives because you are IMPORTANT to HIM and his wife. Even IF the in-laws think you are apostate , he can always discuss you in a non-witness way just sharing what you guys are doing in your lives together and activities you have been busy in as a family. If they don't want to hear it- that's up to them, but at least he is exercising his freedom of speech and not allowing the WT society to " control " whether he can speak about his wife. That is my point.
I think your husband is not only intimidated by his JW family ; he very well subconsciously may still be intimidated by the WT society and it's INFLUENCE over himself and his relationship with his family or yourself without even admitting it verbally. Something to think about. I was raised in the witnesses, got out at 44 and been out 6 years , but my JW family understands my wife NEVER was a witness and I make sure that THEY understand and respect that we have our doubts and reservations about the WT society. Yet in the same voice I tell them I do respect their choice to pursue the witness beliefs if they wish. And they know not to push them on me or my wife. I wish you the best my friend. It's tough, especially when you have self righteous JW relatives as in-laws. Glad I don't. Mine are non-practicing Catholics who haven't been to church in 40 years. A bit easier to be around. I understand your hurt , but your hubby needs to grow up some . He's intimidated by his family
