Hi Weeping, and welcome to the board.
I agree with you that there are many loving, wonderful people in the JWs.
I had some wonderful friends there. Many I knew since I was a small child.
I miss many of them a great deal. I weep for one that is in Bethel that is like a brother to me. I haven't spoken to him in years, and my conscience bothers me because I haven't at least tried to tell him what I have learned about the "truth". I admire him so much that I don't want to disappoint him and pain him. I need to get the courage to call him.
Leaving the JWs was like leaving a family. But I just couldn't do it anymore! I just couldn't. It was killing me. I finally was able to help my wife see the light. She has been affected even more by losing a circle of friends than I. She is a more social person.
Don't be afraid, Weeping. I have found out that the world is full of wonderful people. There are so many! They are all kinds of beliefs and nonbeliefs. Some of them I've worked with, some I have met in church, others through common interests. The beauty of it is that now I can be friends with anyone I want, I don't have to avoid associating with people that are not members of the JWs. I've made new friends over the last few years from among these people I've been lucky enough to meet, and I am astonished at their goodness, especially since none of them have a tight knit organization constantly policing them and telling them to do the right thing. What good they do they do out of the goodness of their hearts. That is a more real goodness than you will usually find in a high control group.
I have a new family of friends. They actually take interest in my well being, and I in theirs. I feel loved by them, and I love them in turn.
Don't be discouraged, reach out.
BTS