Hello everyone. Although this is my first post I must say that I feel like I know so many here very well. Your posts have helped me tremendously. As I become more comfortable I hope to join in the topics and begin to share more about myself.
For now I'll say that I am currently a JW that began researching information about two years ago to improve my faith and knowledge. Unfortunately (for the old me) but, fortunately for the new me I began to realize that some of the things I had been taught all of my life didn't completely make sense to me. This caused me a lot of mental and emotional pain. I began to allow myself to get close to some "worldly" people who helped me in a non-judgemental or "you're in a cult" type manner. My friends along with your posts have helped me navigate through this while maintaining my good mental health.
Due to family committments and pressures I am doing the long fade. For brothers, one of the most dificult parts of fading is getting off the responsibilities radar screen - the more responsibility you have the more dificult it is. Next is immediate family and their personal decisions on how to "deal with you". In the end I have decided that my happiness matters as much as those around me. I am taking each step painstakingly slow.
Thank you all for your openness and candor in your posts - you have no idea how many people just like me you help get through the exiting process.