Most of our friends and relatives realize that we are caught up in something that they are unable to control. It takes a lot of humility to admit that we are wrong. It takes getting over our private embarrassment and shame, and opening up to people who are naturally wanting to have us in their lives.
I missed out on solid relationships with aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents once my folks converted to the JWs in the early 70s. The relationships were cordial but a mutual kind of at-arm's-length: us not wanting to be influenced by them, and them not wanting to be drawn into JW insanity.
When I finally came to the realization that the JWs were wrong, I sat down and wrote letters of apology (not emails, not word processed print-outs: actual handwritten letters) to the relatives who had kept plugging away showing love to us over the years, never forgetting birthdays or holidays, continuing to include us in their celebrations. They felt that it was part of how they showed their love and care for us, and were unwilling to discontinue showing us that they cared.
They were all very happy to hear about our exit from the JWs and welcomed us with open arms. Just like the parable of the prodigal son. There was no probationary period, like there is when you want to be reinstated to the JWs after being DFd. We were just a real family again.
My only regret is that my grandparents didn't live long enough to see that happen.
