went to a high school reunion a few years back.... one of the nice-looking popular guys said he had always been so afraid to approach me in hs because of my religion - i seemed so devout (of course i did not participate in hs functions like prom, ec activities, etc. - and i preached to everyone) -- i would never have entertained the idea of a reunion then.
this reunion was the most wonderful healing event for me. made so many new/old friends. i was able to dialogue with people about the person i had been and how they had reacted to me.
yes, i am a different person. i am much more open, open-minded and accepting of others. i hope i have become more loving. i realize now that i don't have all the answers.
i also think that at this point in time i have rejected the idea that females are second class citizens... it was an idea that i had bought hook line and sinker when i was younger in the wts. always beaten down by the men around me..... no more. -- believe me, this is major.