We've lived in France for over a year, and I had yet to see any JWs. That changed today. We live in a large, closed residence (translation: one of those places where they'd have to get someone's permission to be allowed in, and could only talk via intercom) with signs posted everywhere that soliciting, etc. (including the word colportering) is not permitted on this residence.
I walked out of our building to look for the gardien (French for caretaker) on another issue, because we just moved in. Who should be standing outside the building, talking through the intercom? Two women in long skirts (Yuck...they look terrible! Did I really look that bad?!) with what could pass as big handbags. One is holding a brochure in her hand; it looked like Enjoy Life. They finished up just as I passed them.
In my wanderings around, searching for the gardien, I passed them 3 times. They didn't speak to me, even to say hello, once. I was surprised. I was ready for them. But what surprised me was their rudeness. Everyone down here is very polite, and when they pass you on the street, even if you're a total stranger, they will say hello. Not these JWs. I looked them straight in the face, and they did not say hello or even attempt to speak to me in any way. They totally ignored me. Now, I thought they receive orders suggestions to speak to everyone possible, in every situation, because you never know who you might bring into the cult, er, the truth, um, you know.
They just carried on their pioneer shuffle...I could have crawled quicker...and acted as if I didn't exist. Now, yes, I am DF'd. But they don't know me from Adam. I was DF'd in the US, moved to Hong Kong 2 1/2 years ago, and then moved to France a year ago. They have no clue that I used to be a JW. But I was still shunned. Such love of neighbour!