Posted by felix a [angler] on November 06, 1999 at 20:11:00 {p8g/8h8r5QP6iqioOwugXXuUsiPcoA}:
In Reply to: To felix a: posted by PraeTell on November 06, 1999 at 17:23:45:
PraeTell,
I do remember the post.
I know the type of experience you're talking about as well. I have a couple of different friends, that as long as we are out in private, they are more than game to relax and do things. They would disown these actvities in a heart beat if done with more people than myself and my wife...
Though, when I posted that post, I had more in mind than these lapses in public decorum... I think we are all familiar with the phrase, 'Perhap he does protest to much.' When it comes to the more self-righteous attitudes that we display from time to time, it is really just one more reflection of a need to have something else provide the control over what we do.
I have a friend of mine who is an elder back in Michigan. He and his wife have gone out and done the nudist beach thing. Though you'll never hear them say a thing about this unless they've been drinking and in private.
Another couple of Bethelites I know have gone out and enjoyed a good cigar from time to time (as my wife and I have done). They again will not share this habit with very many others, and in public would condemn this far more quickly and loudly than someone who never engages in such fun. As for my wife and I, we don't make any claims about how wrong this is.
I also know and acknowledge I have been the same way from time to time, but I am getting better about it. I don't condemn people that quickly, I no longer prtest so loudly, and I only get embarrased from time to time, and it is usually over the silliest of things these days.
Best wishes to You
felix a