I was very much the subject of KH gossip. I had an unbelieving husband who was not only very opposed, but an alcoholic as well and our home life was a terrible roller coaster ride. I had three little boys that I took to meetings with me until they refused to go anymore at Dad's behest - so glad of that now. You know the tendency some people have to kick someone who is down? Well the person who was down was me and I was gossiped about and treated badly. Most people at the hall would not give me the time of day and would make catty remarks if they did have something to say. When I think back to some of the things said and done, I cannot believe I kept going and putting up with the abuse.
I did change congregations eventually and I have to say the second congregation was much better and there was love shown in the whole congregation. Pretty unusual from what I have seen in the previous congregation and the congregation I grew up in. Over time, though, I had less and less to do with other people in the cong, and then did hear complaints from new ones that it was very cold cong.
But now my husband has been sober for 16 years and our life is good. Boys are grown and 2 are doing well, 1 is getting better. And I have finally broken free from that sick, sick organization and will never look back.