Meri (Sisterwives) has a boyfriend er catfish MERGED

[IreneIssh]

I linked one upthread where a blogger shared a lot of information about her time in the AUB, and asserted Kody was present at, or at least aware of (writing unclear, though it read to me as the former), the marriage of a 15-year-old girl.

I think I found the post you were talking about, but I don't think you posted a link? Did I miss it somehow? I'm looking at the AUB posts on The Principle now, so I'll probably come across it in a bit. 

Also, TLC posted a clip from last weeks episode, for people like myself who haven't seen it yet: Linen Napkins or Wings - Sister Wives Clip

This is the part with Robyn saying how she wants the party to be classy and more of a "Sunday Dinner" type affair and not a family picnic. Robyn sure tells Kody off a lot. I don't know how anyone can argue she's not the favorite wife. Look how he responds to her comments here versus how he responded to Christine in the Galveston episodes. 

[IreneIssh]

Sorry about the double post, but I found some Ex-AUB members giving their accounts so I'm going to list them here for folks (all of them are from http://politicsrusprinciple.tumblr.com)

Mary Anne Daley Woodward

Ryan Taggert

Ronald Bierer Article

AUB Councilman says "Sex with Daughters is necessary and biblical" 

Racism within the AUB

Rosemary William's allegations against her father

Interview with Kristyn Decker

Sister Wives Mega Post

 

This is a blog that is about the current sexual abuse allegations in the AUB, but I feel like a lot of it is confusing to me because I'm not at all part of the group: https://turmoilwithinaub.wordpress.com/ 

[FundieFarmer]

Maybe I've lost my mind. I'll try to go back and find the link, if you didn't see it

[defraudingjezebel]

Thanks so much for all of those links @IreneIssh. I know there's a separate topic for them but I've always gotten a better feeling about the Williams Family just because they seemed a bit more authentic and genuine than the Browns. Especially now that Rosemary has spoken out, they seem a lot less eager than the Browns to pretend everything's fine and dandy within their (former) religion. The Browns refuse to accept that there are issues within their religion/religious leadership and instead insist that they're isolated issues. 

And I agree with you that its so painfully clear that Robyn is the favored wife because she gets her way constantly, while Kody easily shrugs off the other wives' feelings. I think for a while Meri was a favored wife too, before Robyn began having Kody's kids (remember the wet bar rigamarole? And Christine offering to give some of her house-building money to let Meri get what she wants?). 

[IreneIssh]

Thanks so much for all of those links @IreneIssh. I know there's a separate topic for them but I've always gotten a better feeling about the Williams Family just because they seemed a bit more authentic and genuine than the Browns. Especially now that Rosemary has spoken out, they seem a lot less eager than the Browns to pretend everything's fine and dandy within their (former) religion. The Browns refuse to accept that there are issues within their religion/religious leadership and instead insist that they're isolated issues. 

And I agree with you that its so painfully clear that Robyn is the favored wife because she gets her way constantly, while Kody easily shrugs off the other wives' feelings. I think for a while Meri was a favored wife too, before Robyn began having Kody's kids (remember the wet bar rigamarole? And Christine offering to give some of her house-building money to let Meri get what she wants?). 

Yeah, I always liked the Williams family better too. They aren't associated with the AUB anymore, right? I don't know that they really talked about their beliefs much on the show, but then again the Browns don't either. It's weird, because I always thought that Brady seemed like a relatively normal guy, but I've read some really extreme internet hate about him specifically. I have no doubt that people who choose to be on a reality show tend to be a little narcissistic or self-involved, but he certainly seemed better than Kody. It's sad that the Browns are still on the air and the Williams got cancelled. I'm sure that family is flawed as well, but I definitely think the Browns are worse, and make the whole system look a lot less livable.  

[Letgo]

"Kody feels intense guilt over not being able to be the first to have sexual relations with Robyn when she was young."

Well, what about Janelle? She was married to Meri's brother before Kody. I would think that Janelle was also not a virgin when Kody "married" her. Does Kody feel the same intense guilt over her, too? Or is it different because she wasn't pregnant before she married Meri's brother? Or because she had no children with him? Why the big deal over Robyn?

[defraudingjezebel]

Yeah, I always liked the Williams family better too. They aren't associated with the AUB anymore, right? I don't know that they really talked about their beliefs much on the show, but then again the Browns don't either. It's weird, because I always thought that Brady seemed like a relatively normal guy, but I've read some really extreme internet hate about him specifically. I have no doubt that people who choose to be on a reality show tend to be a little narcissistic or self-involved, but he certainly seemed better than Kody. It's sad that the Browns are still on the air and the Williams got cancelled. I'm sure that family is flawed as well, but I definitely think the Browns are worse, and make the whole system look a lot less livable.  

I believe they left AUB a while ago, maybe even like a decade ago. I agree with you wholeheartedly- Brady and his family definitely weren't perfect but he seems much more normal. Also, I found his wives overall to be much more relatable and likable. My heart broke for Rosemary because I could really relate to her weight and self-esteem struggles. I haven't heard anyone speak so frankly about their feelings about that issue like her. 

I think one of the reasons why the Browns are on air is because they can constantly whip up drama. This whole Meri catfish thing is a doozy. 

[IreneIssh]

"Kody feels intense guilt over not being able to be the first to have sexual relations with Robyn when she was young."

Well, what about Janelle? She was married to Meri's brother before Kody. I would think that Janelle was also not a virgin when Kody "married" her. Does Kody feel the same intense guilt over her, too? Or is it different because she wasn't pregnant before she married Meri's brother? Or because she had no children with him? Why the big deal over Robyn?

I honestly think that they don't really discuss it on the show because they didn't really want it to get out that Janelle was married to Meri's brother. It might come up now that Meri and Janelle are "working on their issues" and pretty much every interested party on the internet knows, but I feel like that's a big part of why it was never brought up. Also, Robyn's his favorite 

[Eternalbluepearl]

So far on the show, Janelle has referred to her being previously married to Meri's brother as "Knowing Meri's family since before Meri and Kody were together" or something like that. There is no shame in being previously married, Robyn just has to spin it so that it gets her sympathy and attention. 

[Grimalkin]

I think I found the post you were talking about, but I don't think you posted a link? Did I miss it somehow? I'm looking at the AUB posts on The Principle now, so I'll probably come across it in a bit. 

Also, TLC posted a clip from last weeks episode, for people like myself who haven't seen it yet: Linen Napkins or Wings - Sister Wives Clip

This is the part with Robyn saying how she wants the party to be classy and more of a "Sunday Dinner" type affair and not a family picnic. Robyn sure tells Kody off a lot. I don't know how anyone can argue she's not the favorite wife. Look how he responds to her comments here versus how he responded to Christine in the Galveston episodes. 

I wonder what Robyn's idea of classy is. I bet my idea of classy and hers are really different. For starters it does not involve crying........in fact probably wouldn't involve Robyn at all.

[Letgo]

I think I found the post you were talking about, but I don't think you posted a link? Did I miss it somehow? I'm looking at the AUB posts on The Principle now, so I'll probably come across it in a bit. 

Also, TLC posted a clip from last weeks episode, for people like myself who haven't seen it yet: Linen Napkins or Wings - Sister Wives Clip

This is the part with Robyn saying how she wants the party to be classy and more of a "Sunday Dinner" type affair and not a family picnic. Robyn sure tells Kody off a lot. I don't know how anyone can argue she's not the favorite wife. Look how he responds to her comments here versus how he responded to Christine in the Galveston episodes. 

This family confuses me. In an earlier episode, maybe the one on Christine?, she said she was shocked at how Robyn talked to Kody when she joined the family. When Robyn disagreed with Kody she told him., stood up to him.  Christine couldn't believe Robyn did that. Yet when the family all travels together the wives give Kody orders and argue with him. Christine was very in-your-face with Kody when she felt insulted by the friend who had told Kody he needed to get rid of his extra wives. They had a big fight over it. I think what really surprised Christine is not that Robyn argues with Kody, but that he reacts differently when she does. I agree, Robyn is the favorite. Kody and Robyn don't seem to actually fight, though. He remains calmer when she challenges him. The other wives get more of a reaction from him. But he tends to "keep sweet" with Robyn. No wonder Christine is jealous.

[Grimalkin]

I think I found the post you were talking about, but I don't think you posted a link? Did I miss it somehow? I'm looking at the AUB posts on The Principle now, so I'll probably come across it in a bit. 

Also, TLC posted a clip from last weeks episode, for people like myself who haven't seen it yet: Linen Napkins or Wings - Sister Wives Clip

This is the part with Robyn saying how she wants the party to be classy and more of a "Sunday Dinner" type affair and not a family picnic. Robyn sure tells Kody off a lot. I don't know how anyone can argue she's not the favorite wife. Look how he responds to her comments here versus how he responded to Christine in the Galveston episodes. 

I just watched this and I was so sad for those kids. I wonder if they had real input bout being adopted, or got to think it through. I bet it sounded great at first but I imagine they would feel awkward visiting their dad. They seemed super excited (I dreaded having to see my dad even when he took us on vacations) this all has to be a lot to think about. As far as Robyn's classy sit down party for the FAMILY what would those kids prefer? A picnic  where they could run around?Or a fancy sit down dinner with linen napkins and wear dressy clothes and listen to a fucking boring ceremony.  

[eandre31]

Yeah, I always liked the Williams family better too. They aren't associated with the AUB anymore, right? I don't know that they really talked about their beliefs much on the show, but then again the Browns don't either. It's weird, because I always thought that Brady seemed like a relatively normal guy, but I've read some really extreme internet hate about him specifically. I have no doubt that people who choose to be on a reality show tend to be a little narcissistic or self-involved, but he certainly seemed better than Kody. It's sad that the Browns are still on the air and the Williams got cancelled. I'm sure that family is flawed as well, but I definitely think the Browns are worse, and make the whole system look a lot less livable.  

I agree that the Williams family is more likable/relatable. They talked about their beliefs on the show a fair amount. They discussed how they had separated from the AUB many years ago and that they have been learning to be spiritual in their own way, not their former churches way IIRC. I'm pretty sure that's why they all drink alcohol, pierce ears, etc now. They say they have moved very much away from their previous beliefs and stay in polygamy simply because they love each other, not because they believe it will get them to the celestial kingdom. They are boatloads more progressive than the Browns so I always found them much more interesting. Too bad they got cancelled and not the Browns.

[polecat]

"Kody feels intense guilt over not being able to be the first to have sexual relations with Robyn when she was young."

Well, what about Janelle? She was married to Meri's brother before Kody. I would think that Janelle was also not a virgin when Kody "married" her. Does Kody feel the same intense guilt over her, too? Or is it different because she wasn't pregnant before she married Meri's brother? Or because she had no children with him? Why the big deal over Robyn?

Ew, that way that's phrased strikes me as just repulsive.

[Letgo]

Ew, that way that's phrased strikes me as just repulsive.

Yes, it's terrible that Kody wasn't the first to be with Robyn and he "feels intense guilt" over that. But Kody has sex with four women and that is A-Okay. No guilt required. Kody is only 2 for 4 with being the first man to be with his wives. Still waiting to hear the angst over Janelle being previously married. That didn't seem to be a problem at all when Kody married her. What is the deal with wives being virgins?  Kody sure wasn't, for at least three of them. Only with Meri could he have been one. But the wives aren't complaining about not being the first one. They have SUCH a double standard in their beliefs.

I just really don't get those people and this choice they make to share a husband. Other than having the convenience of having another woman around to babysit the kids, I don't see the benefit to a woman. And convenient babysitting is why one has grandmothers, sisters, and friends.

 

[apandaaries]

Yes, it's terrible that Kody wasn't the first to be with Robyn and he "feels intense guilt" over that. But Kody has sex with four women and that is A-Okay. No guilt required. Kody is only 2 for 4 with being the first man to be with his wives. Still waiting to hear the angst over Janelle being previously married. That didn't seem to be a problem at all when Kody married her. What is the deal with wives being virgins?  Kody sure wasn't, for at least three of them. Only with Meri could he have been one. But the wives aren't complaining about not being the first one. They have SUCH a double standard in their beliefs.

I just really don't get those people and this choice they make to share a husband. Other than having the convenience of having another woman around to babysit the kids, I don't see the benefit to a woman. And convenient babysitting is why one has grandmothers, sisters, and friends.

 

Remember the talking heads a few seasons ago, when Kdouche said that the thought of any of his wives being with another man made him feel physically sick?  He is so gross and seemingly incapable of self-awareness.  

As for WHY these women are enduring such shittiness from Kody -- I blame religion.  In mainstream LDS, if you die and you've angered your husband, he doesn't have to call your *super special sekrit name to pull you through the veils to the other world.  Instead, you'd be stuck for eternity and all time in (what kinda sounds like) a version of limbo.  Polygamous LDS marriages amp this up by complicating marriage itself; instead of just one husband to please, you also have to negotiate with other wives and keep sweet with those people, too. 

From the numerous memoirs I've read, most women endure these marriages because they are true believers.  If and when they start to doubt, they are by then saddled with numerous children to support and often not many ways of making money.  

As much as I hate Kody, Irene Spencer (writer of Shattered Dreams and Cult Insanity)'s husband looks even worse by comparison -- taking the family to Mexico, then even further into Central America, then back to Mexico, disappearing for weeks or months at a time and reappearing with various wives...but the worst was rejecting Irene after her millionth kid.  The doctor had told her could have died (he'd mentioned that in the penultimate pregnancy, too) and she finally agreed to have her tubes tied.  Her husband acted like she'd rejected *him* instead of protecting the kids she already had (heaven knows with THAT sister wife situation, those kids would have been in serious peril without their mother).  I believe Irene's husband also mentioned that the holiest way for a woman to die was in childbirth, as well.

So when you look at other polygamous Mormons, Kdouche still sucks, but he sucks a little less and being married to him still allows them to practice what they believe.  Most of those women already had familial involvement with polygamy.  I've not read the Book of Mormon (but the play is excellent!), but something about it seems to lend itself to its followers believing in Smith's earliest visions and commands -- like the polygamy -- and ignoring his later proclamations (though to my eyes, I agree that retracting the idea of polygamy had a lot more to do with the government than with God -- but I wasn't there, so I'm not sure).  But people still change their minds.  That's why I'm so glad Christine's mom is around.  Christine was raised in the lifestyle and imagined herself the third, cherished, love-wife, which really isn't working out so well for her these days.  Janelle adopted the lifestyle later, as did her mother; I think she'll get out without qualm later on.  Meri, I think, will torture herself over the catfish drama and probably not leave until someone is willing to escort her out (like not-batman).  I suspect she still believes a lot of what their church teaches, and without a husband to get her to the other side, she's dooming herself to an eternity of lonely roaming through veils.

ETA: Sobyn will likely remain by Kody's side, as she's learned to manipulate him and pull all the necessary strings.  He apparently likes thin women (as evidenced by that horrible nacho story with Christine), so as long as she fits the physical image he desires, he'll follow along but think he's leading.  I am kinda curious to see if Sobyn ever goes blonde, since that also appears to be a Kdouche favorite quality. 

[IreneIssh]

Yes, it's terrible that Kody wasn't the first to be with Robyn and he "feels intense guilt" over that. But Kody has sex with four women and that is A-Okay. No guilt required. Kody is only 2 for 4 with being the first man to be with his wives. Still waiting to hear the angst over Janelle being previously married. That didn't seem to be a problem at all when Kody married her. What is the deal with wives being virgins?  Kody sure wasn't, for at least three of them. Only with Meri could he have been one. But the wives aren't complaining about not being the first one. They have SUCH a double standard in their beliefs.

I just really don't get those people and this choice they make to share a husband. Other than having the convenience of having another woman around to babysit the kids, I don't see the benefit to a woman. And convenient babysitting is why one has grandmothers, sisters, and friends.

 

I was watching the "All About Janelle" special last night because I finally found it online (and I'd had a bad day, I needed something to yell at) and she even says in that episode, "It's really hard to co-parent with my sister wives." and I just screamed, "WELL THERE GO ALL THOSE SO-CALLED BENEFITS OF HAVING SISTER WIVES" 

My boyfriend just kept rolling his eyes at me 

[SilverBeach]

Sorry about the double post, but I found some Ex-AUB members giving their accounts so I'm going to list them here for folks (all of them are from http://politicsrusprinciple.tumblr.com)

Mary Anne Daley Woodward

Ryan Taggert

Ronald Bierer Article

AUB Councilman says "Sex with Daughters is necessary and biblical" 

Racism within the AUB

Rosemary William's allegations against her father

Interview with Kristyn Decker

Sister Wives Mega Post

 

This is a blog that is about the current sexual abuse allegations in the AUB, but I feel like a lot of it is confusing to me because I'm not at all part of the group: https://turmoilwithinaub.wordpress.com/ 

Thank you thank you!  I'm reading my way through the list right now. I have a little polygamy library and love to read real-life accounts, especially escapes! If FLDS women can escape, maybe there is hope for at least one or two of the Duggar daughters. There is some decent FLDS fiction out there too.

[zygote373]

I just saw a preview for the season finale next week, and they are definitely going to address the catfish. The preview started with "you've seen the headlines..." and shows a lot of Meri crying. How horrible to have to relive everything for the ratings. I can't even imagine how she feels having this all dragged into the public.

[Grimalkin]

I just saw a preview for the season finale next week, and they are definitely going to address the catfish. The preview started with "you've seen the headlines..." and shows a lot of Meri crying. How horrible to have to relive everything for the ratings. I can't even imagine how she feels having this all dragged into the public.

I imagine it has to be embarrassing for the kids too. Anything for a dollar, good entertainment eh?

[AliceInFundyland]

She must have been soooo lonely. It's such a risk for any "famous" person to seek out company online. Meri (and, fwiw, Josh) had to be feeling isolated and truly without other options. I find myself in a place where there are some things on reality tv I can't watch these days (recent season of rhooc anyone?) - meri getting catfished is one.

[CrazyCatLady]

Maybe Meri and Josh can get together.

[AliceInFundyland]

Maybe Meri and Josh can get together.

Ew. That's so not where I was going with that.

[goldfishgoddess]

People has a story about Sisterwives now (it's a girl!).  I can't for the life of me see what the attraction is for this show, other than the freak circus quality.  Kody Brown I cannot watch for more than 1 minute without feeling he's an egomaniac.  The women must have a poor sense of self-esteem to want to be a part of his family and deal with that cocky little bastard.  UGH.

[Justme]

I'm glad that Maddie's finance is not going to practice polygamy. He was cute on last nights show. I'm also glad that Kody gave them a bit of "space" on last nights show.