How can I make a good impression when meeting my boyfriend's Jehovah's Witness family for the 1st time?

Question

(He is not a Jehovah's Witness, although other members of his family are). I know not to order a glass of wine (or other alcohol) at lunch, but is there anything else I should be careful of/sensitive to?

Answer 1

hi, I am a Jehovah Witness. many of the witnesses do drink some. guess what I am wearing. pants. during the summer I go in shorts and a top. we do wear pants or shorts. many wear makeup. I sometimes do. we do wear watches. and in each of my ears, I have three earrings, so we do wear jewelry. just be yourself, don't worry. I was not brought up a Jehovah Witness, I was born Jewish, and when I met my mother in law for the first time I was real scared but she was the greatest person in the world and we became best friends when I married her son. don't worry they will not try to change your religion. they will not talk about the religion. we do talk about other things also. people think that is all we talk about. we can talk about anything you want besides our religion and I am sure his parents will be great. have fun. don't listen to people who know nothing about Jehovah Witnesses. we are no different then anyone else

Answer 2

WOW. The answers have ran the gambit from right on to way off.:D

I hope I can help. I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Neither of my brothers are anymore and much of my family never were. I have met several of my brothers girlfriends, both Witness and non.

The same basic rules for ANY first encounter with potential in-laws apply. Be polite but honest. The simplest way to find out what will offend your prespective inlaws is to just ask them. Let them know up front that you mean no offense. Hopefully they will understand that you are just as nervous as they no doubt are.

As to the things you mentioned being worried about, we as a faith have no problems with drinking.

On the chance there may be/have been some bad blood between the parents and your BF please remember that emotion colors memories.

Due not worry about acting like a Witness. They no you are not a Witness and will not expect you to be one. It would probably be good to avoid any controversial stuff if you can, ie, if you think it is wrong to not give blood, and do not wish to begin a discussion about it, then don't begin the discussion. As for dress casual is fine but remember to be somewhat modest.

One last thing, Please do not let this be the basis for your feelings of them. Remember first meetings are often very awkward. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Jehovah’s Witnesses well understand that they are a religious minority, and they do not expect everyone around them to modify their behavior. They do not concern themselves with the crosses, angels, or other religious symbols which a non-Witness may choose to display. A typical Witness is not easily offended by anything, as one might expect of a Christian minister who knocks on hundreds of doors each year hoping to discuss the bible.

A guest could demonstrate respect for any Christian host when she avoids profanity and crude speech, and dresses modestly (according to community sensibilities). In North America and Europe, most Jehovah’s Witness women themselves wear cosmetics, high heels, pants, and jewelry at social events. Neither the bible nor Jehovah’s Witnesses forbids the responsible consumption of alcohol; there seems no reason to avoid alcohol altogether.

A guest demonstrates particular respect for a Jehovah’s Witness host when she refrains from holiday or birthday wishes, and refrains from superstitious practices (such as ‘knocking wood’ or wishing “gasundheit”/“bless you” after a sneeze).

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not harbor any bigotry against Israel, Jews, or any other nation or ethnicity. Witnesses try to remain neutral with regard to political, nationalistic, and social controversies. Witnesses generally choose wholesome, encouraging topics for conversation.

(Ephesians 5:3-4) Let fornication and uncleanness of every sort or greediness not even be mentioned among you, just as it befits holy people; neither shameful conduct nor foolish talking nor obscene jesting, things which are not becoming

Answer 4

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Many girls break up with their significant others, is because they need time to figure things out. Don't take it personally, if you want her back, you have to show her you can help her. If you love her then you'll let her go, that's it. Not everybody who you date in high school you end up staying with, the chances are extremely unlikely. So if she doesn't want to, then you need to let her go.

Answer 5

I wonder if you are interested in studying with a Witness? I would think that if you are sincere, you might want to ask about that. A glass of wine, if it is at a formal meal would not be inappropriate, if they are having one. I would not have a second one though. I think it would be wonderful if you encouraged your boyfriend to (continue?) study. We apply Bible principles to our lives, so please, just be modest in all that you do. I think if you are yourself, that is always the best thing to do. Putting on airs is really detrimental to being an honest person. If your relationship is serious, I would consider seriously learning about what the Bible really teaches and then applying those wonderful principles to your life. The Witnesses that I know, and myself, have wonderful marriages, and we are continually learning how to love and respect each other the way God intended.

Answer 6

You can most certaintly have a glass or 2 of wine. People tend to think that we're weird or strict. We are allowed to drink (unless of course, someone strugled w/ that in the past, then others would refrain out of kindness) But all we really do is follow what the Bible says. Be yourself. After all, if you end up marrying him ;) ....you'll know them the rest of your life. Don't be afraid to ask them anything at all. We don't expect much from others, just that you be respectful. They should be very kind & warm people. And if they DO end up coming off mean, it might be bothering them that their son never grew spiritually.

Answer 7

First and foremost, be yourself. Witnesses are great people and (the ones I know) fun to be around. If you want to make a good impression, be sure to dress modestly. You can wear pants, but be sure they are ot too tight and not too low in the back. You can wear high heals as well, but just be sure they are appropriate for your outfit. (I visited the Kingdom Hall many times with my friends and most women there wore high heals). Other than that, go, relax and have a good time.

Answer 8

Half my family are Jehovah's witnesses,
U can dink a little wine. witnesses do drink in moderation, u can wear heels my mum does. Just dress modestly and don't swear. U can wear all the jewelry u want as my Grandmother does.
That's all I can think of. My husband had the same problem but all is good they love him even though he is catholic lol.

Answer 9

Getting involved with a JW, or even an exJW can be very tough. You really should make sure that your boyfriend has totally freed himself from the belief structure is you plan to have a future with him. Otherwise there is the chance he will go back to it, and that can be very destructive to your relationship.

I recommend reading http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/mindcontrol.htm to understand why JWs are so convinced that only they have the truth. If his parents are 'strong' Witnesses regardless of what you do, they will see you as 'worldly' and so soon to be destroyed by God at Armageddon. They will desperately want their son to rejoin the religion so that he too is not destroyed, and may see you as a hinderance.

So in regards to your question, be yourself, but more importantly be very observant of your boyfriend around his parents for any indicators of how much control they (and the religion) still have over his life.

Answer 10

Kat,
Thinking that is just the first step to letting the JW's control who you are. Make a good impression by being the person that God made you to be. Worry about pleasing God rather than man. Remember Kat, if you follow what the scripture says; "do not be un-evenly yolked." Just be yourself Kat, they will judge you regardless. I am an ex-witness, been there done that!
Be Blessed & Rejoice in the Lord!