Minimus' thread about things that used to upset you but now doesn't got me to thinking. What are some things that you wished you had done(or hadn't done) if you could go back? Even if you have no regrets at being a witness, is there anything you would have done different as a witness?
I missed having a normal youth. I didn't date, go to school dances, even learn how to dance. I missed all my proms. I avoided girls(even witness girls). I was so brainwashed that if I wasn't ready to marry, I had no business even mingling or associating with the sisters. If I could do that over I would date, learn to dance, learn social skills and graces. Learn how to mingle in parties and social events. Flirt with the girls. Build up my self-esteem. Keep up with current styles enough to be in style without overdoing or being behind. My life is half over and I have accomplished some of these but these are things that most kids out of high school have accomplished. I am embarrassed that I was such a social misfit.
I also was in mortal fear of the elders for years. There were a couple of them, as I grew older, that I became friends with and I saw that they are just men, some very humble and kind, but for years from a little kid till my 30s I avoided them. They were basically the kingdom korner kop. I hated going to the door with one, only to be told I could be doing better. I hated one elder who would walk up, tug at your hair, and say, "get a haircut". Another one would always ask, "why are you working full time? Why not work part time and pioneer? Full time work is a dead end job." This being said after he retired from a cush govermnent job that paid all too well and had a fat pension. If I had it to do over, I would treat them as anyone else that butted into my business univited. Polite, calm but firm. "I appreciate your concern, but I don't feel that I need to discuss with you my life decisions. And I'd appreciate it if you would keep your opinions and your suggestions till when I ask for them."