While not raised in a religeous family I started studying the bible in high school and was babtized a JW in 1974 at the age of 18. Finally got fed up in 1996 and just stopped. The small minded people with big egos (elders) grew wearisome for me. Being constantly fed the same boring crap and made to feel fearful and guilty at every meeting and assembly took a toll. Now I am happy just being me for once. Before I had to be what others expected. I don't feel guilty about not going to meetings and going out in service anymore. Also I can actually think for myself (what a relief). I really have no ax to grind and still have buddys that are hanging in there still doing the 'witness thing'. But they know they can trust me more than anyone in their congregations. When they need help or a favor or just want to have fun they call me. After all I don't judge them if they have a little too much to drink or tell an off color joke.