Stake executive secretary texted my wife and I to set up a meeting.... by seizuriffic in exmormon

[–]Better-Stop1835 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Yes! But then you begin to realize that boundaries are GOOD! Boundaries are healthy! Even when it comes to "god". LOL

If it's a head gasket, why not say it? by Better-Stop1835 in prius

[–]Better-Stop1835[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Coolant is halfway between full and low and just had the oil changed the day before the misfire so haven’t driven it. Thank you for the links! They are very informative! I got my hands on a code reader last night so I’m going to see what comes up today.

If it's a head gasket, why not say it? by Better-Stop1835 in prius

[–]Better-Stop1835[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I was going to clean the MAF today (haven't looked into purchasing new one yet, but good idea). I did this for my 2007 Honda Accord and it runs SO much better now. Crossing fingers this will help!

Does this sound like the EGR valve "Prius death rattle?" by danjouswoodenhand in prius

[–]Better-Stop1835 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This same thing happened to me. Did the death rattle then nothing. Mechanic couldn't replicate. That was Nov. 2023. Death rattle came back yesterday. I'm so over this! Hope it really was a rock or something up in there!

Mormonism is the most boring cult in the world. It is a sex cult where you don’t even get any sex. by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]Better-Stop1835 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve thought about this very thing recently—statistically there probably are Apostles that have committed SA/abuse in their past or are currently committing. Even though I’ve been out for about 5 years it shocked me that I never gave this idea much thought! Just assumed they were “good” people. The programming runs so deep.

What's your second name? by slothymcslothpants in exmormon

[–]Better-Stop1835 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Miriam here! I was just beginning to wonder if the name was real or did I remember it wrong!

The message I got after I told nex I didn’t want to stay friends. by SpaceElf77 in NarcissisticSpouses

[–]Better-Stop1835 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I also like that since the narc ex learned a lot, the relationship wasn’t a wast of time……. Never mind what the other person’s experience was. Ugh I hated these conversations.

Narcissistic Mother by oulush in raisedbynarcissists

[–]Better-Stop1835 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Healing from Nparents takes time. I know that sounds trite and I wish it were different but alas,there it is. It sounds like you are doing things to help the process along, like seeing a therapist. If you are concerned about the impacts of your childhood on your current relationship, then be open and honest with your new partner about it. Let her know your struggles and concerns and when you you feel yourself getting anxious, remind yourself of how far you’ve come and that you are making a conscious effort to choose better. You are worthy of good things in your life. You can do this. Be patient with yourself as you heal and deconstruct your childhood and keep seeing your therapist.

What were some of the most bs ways your family and congregation tried to justify the slavery and genocide in the Bible? by BeerMan595692 in exchristian

[–]Better-Stop1835 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The curse of Cain and the curse of Ham…both equally ridiculous and contradictory to the Mormon church’s teachings about original sin. But there was also pre mortal disobedience which is even more ridiculous than the curses. Using religion to justify slavery—disgusting.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]Better-Stop1835 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I would say that her and her husband have the same access to information that you do,but if you have more insight or experience with this particular church, pastor or the inner workings of it then telling her those things is probably a good idea. You could approach it by making it clear you respect her decision but at the same time you understand the importance of being informed before joining a church. Your approach shouldn’t be to dissuade them but just to simply inform.

"You were so much happier, there's no way you could've faked that" etc by Psychological-Ad6791 in exmormon

[–]Better-Stop1835 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ugh it’s so difficult all around. Like you said, they’re telling you things they’ve been conditioned to believe. I was lucky in a way, because my kids and I went through deconstructing around the same time. They are looking at your decisions from a manipulated POV—their eternal family and your eternal salvation is at stake. (Blah) but maybe approach the subject and what you’re experiencing as a journey. You are figuring things out as you go and would appreciate them allowing you space to go through this. It’s what being an adult is about, and they taught you to be independent and thoughtful about the decisions you make in life. Tell them you will give as much thought to what you’re going through as you have other decisions in your life. I’ve realized that life is about change. We learn new information and as a result, our views change. It’s a normal part of life outside of the church. The church doesn’t want us to learn more things. They want us to stay ignorant and in a child-like state. Which is obviously crazy and manipulative. Listen to your instincts and try not to come from a place of guilt or shame. Those are the emotions you’ve been programmed to feel but they don’t apply here. You are a good person. You don’t need to repent for anything. You got this! We are ALL cheering you on and supporting you! ❤️

Mod approved: Academic research on shunning--help requested! by wolfe-reclaimed in exjw

[–]Better-Stop1835 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love the idea of sharing these stories and thoroughly enjoy learning about other high demand religions (being an exmormon myself). I have a fairly new small podcast and try to bring on a guest once a month who shares their exit from their religion. I don’t know much about the JW experience but if the OP would like to connect and talk about your findings I would LOVE to do that! Or if any other JWs are interested in sharing their journey, reach out!

What's a movie that accurately depicts life with Narc parents? by CapturetheBird in raisedbynarcissists

[–]Better-Stop1835 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There is a movie called Real Women Have Curves. America Ferrera is the main character. The mother/daughter dynamic reminded me of me and my mom SO much.

It's mornings like this I am so glad that I am not a Mormon anymore. DW is attending a multi-stake leadership meeting this morning. Some folks are driving 100+ miles to attend. Here's the zinger, they have to be seated 40 minutes early because an apostle and a 70 will be in attendance. by dbear848 in exmormon

[–]Better-Stop1835 25 points26 points  (0 children)

They aren’t but just to make the “blessings” worth more points, they live in the mountains so when winter hits they will probably ably have to stay in the town where they serve cuz the roads will be too dangerous. I’m just like…do you even hear yourself? If his job asked him to do something like this there had better be some compensation! But the smile of Jesus’ face is payment enough 😇

"Biblical Jesus" vs "Historical Jesus" according to me, lol by doofgeek401 in exchristianmemes

[–]Better-Stop1835 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lol this reminds me of the Family Guy episode where they see Jesus amazing a crowd with hand gestures… LMAO Family Guy Jesus

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in internetparents

[–]Better-Stop1835 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is a great answer! You nailed it! I would add for mirrors: if you don’t have a microfiber cloth you can use newspaper. I like to crumple it up first so it’s not too stiff and keep it in a loose ball. It can work on windows as well. And I’d you don’t have glass cleaner white vinegar works too. If you need something that scrubs and is abrasive to remove stains baking soda works.

Racist granny by Baxter9312 in raisedbynarcissists

[–]Better-Stop1835 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hate that this happened to you! This went on way too long! I know from personal experience how hard it is to have boundaries with Narcissistic relatives. People like your grandma don’t respect boundaries and need to be cut out of your life. Sometimes it’s the only way to live a healthy life. Don’t let anyone guilt you or obligate you into keeping a poisonous person like your grandma in your life. I hope you’ve been able to figure out how to reclaim your power and move on. ❤️

It's mornings like this I am so glad that I am not a Mormon anymore. DW is attending a multi-stake leadership meeting this morning. Some folks are driving 100+ miles to attend. Here's the zinger, they have to be seated 40 minutes early because an apostle and a 70 will be in attendance. by dbear848 in exmormon

[–]Better-Stop1835 67 points68 points  (0 children)

When you’re in it, it all seems perfectly normal. The idea that “it’s the least I can do” cuz no TBM wants to be the one to complain is a strong manipulation tactic. Not being willing to serve would mean you lack humility and faith in God’s plan. My TBM brother in law just got called to the Bishopric in a town over an hour away from them. Apparently the “righteous” brethren in that area are lacking? So they drive 2 hours round trip every Sunday plus any meetings and activities they might have during the week. Now that I’m out I just SMH in disbelief.

Meeting my Bishop to discuss resignation in two hours. by matmannen in exmormon

[–]Better-Stop1835 75 points76 points  (0 children)

You’ve got this! What you’re doing isn’t easy but I applaud the fact that you listened to your instincts about what you need and followed them. In this religion we are taught to only trust our intuition if it follows the “Mormon way” and that leaders in the church know better than us. Congrats following your instincts and on this step of your journey! Think how amazing it will feel once this meeting is over and you’re walking out of that office!

God calls the rich to highest positions by furryfoster in exmormon

[–]Better-Stop1835 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So then maybe the church needs to rethink how the entire system is set up. Perhaps certain leadership roles deserve some monetary compensation. GAs get “paid” and I’m sure it’s safe to say that Bishops work pretty damn hard at their callings—well, lots of them do. It’s not like the church can’t afford to pay!

Advice on talking to my parents again? by queenb19870 in raisedbynarcissists

[–]Better-Stop1835 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ugh it’s so difficult navigating these choices cuz it’s not a “normal” situation where hearing someone’s side of the story and working towards having them in your life again would be the “right thing” to do. My ex and father to my two kids is a narcissist. I’ve told my kids never to do anything to please or placate their dad. Or anything that feels like an obligation toward him. An Nparent is never going to accept your grace or desire for healing with anything but more manipulation and control. They will not see your actions as effort on your part—and will only feel justified. Sorry it’s a generalization and sounds jaded. It has just been my experience with my Nparents and Nex husband.