Apognophos:
That nonsense about "we're all brothers and sisters" is just that: nonsense.
It is hardly a brotherhood but instead is a very toxic and damaging place, especially if you are a single woman. While it is damaging to most, it is particularly damaging to them. People's attitudes and behavior towards you is nothing short of appalling and unacceptable. I felt I was alone when I tried to confide in other single sisters about how I felt. They accepted this inappropriate behavior and because of low self-esteem (partly brought on because of the religion), they did nothing to discourage it. I believe they wanted to be accepted and "loved", so they tolerated this abuse.
I, however, got tired of fending off users and all the other intrusive behavior and stayed on the fringes for the remainder of my stay in the religion. I became a "stranger" because it was either that or be the target in the congregation. I wasn't having it.
Then I found out the "truth" about the whole charade and it was over.