I was always frustrated with how much counsel and advice was given at the Kingdom Hall on how NOT to offend others. It seemed like complete immunity was given to the person getting offended. They were never counselled to just mind their own business, but if anyone had any reason to be offended about something you had done, the elders, or that person, would be sure to let you know about it.
Most of the time it was nobody's business. It was nearly always a matter of conscience. But for some reason, it was one of the primary methods of controlling behavior. No matter that Proverbs specifically discourages taking offense when none is intended.
My mother was a perfect example of this behavior. With several different individuals in the congregation (all women of about her age), she sent letters explaining to them something they had done or some behavior their were exhibiting that she felt wasn't appropriate. These letters always caused a stir, and divided the sector of the congregation who knew about it.
I've been at the recieving end of someone taking offense several times. One time was when I was trying desperately to pioneer while very sick and on the verge of homelessness. Aparently, the haircut I gave myself was too short, and some anonymous pioneer "sister" let the PO know about it. Eventually, I was effectively removed as an MS for this, because my compliance wasn't perfect enough. It was then that i really realized that taking offense at someone else was all too easy in the congregation, and the elders often allow themselves to be used for the satisfaction of others, if they themselves are not the ones initiating the "taking of offense."