I agree with Anon's statement, " one reason they are so mean spirited is in part due to their own unhappiness. Seeing other people happy, ....... seems to eat away at them . "
This is SOOO true. What's the old expression ? Misery loves company ? I believe it's not just that the JW cult mind control over them turns them into control freaks themselves - but just seeing US EX-JW's enjoying life absolutely causes them anguish because it makes them question the validity of their beliefs ! They are told that they are " a people for special possession, that Jehovah's people and organization are happy " so if they aren't " happy " then they think they're doing something wrong. Or it causes them to doubt or ponder things within. Then they feel MORE guilty for doing that !
My extended JW family cannot understand how I can be so happy in my own life and I simply tell them I have a lot to be happy for. The love I share with friends & family. It's a concept that's foreign to them because they are taught to NOT open their hearts to any non-JW's