Your story rings familier in a few ways. :) I am really glad that you seemed to "escape" unscathed for now. :)
As for getting immersed in a REAL life, not a JW life, it is pretty easy if you are kind to people, can hold a decent conversation, and practice with your self confidence. Chicks dig a confident guy. Never arrogance, but if you want to start dating I have some silly thing for you to think about. Shallow, yes, but I am told that my advice worked well, so you never know.
Girls-I agree, totally stay away from anyone related to JW's. You are in your late 20's which is perfect. My guy friends say that they have the most success just saying, hey would you ever like to have dinner with me sometime? Do not try anything cheesy. Just up front, smile, confident. They say that girls look at shoes and gague how a man is. If they have nice shoes and have an upkept appearance, somewhat in fashion if you will, you will have more success. I know that should not be the first thing, but that is the way it is. One of my guy friends is eternally grateful I taught him to use hair product, to buy some new, darker looking jeans with a modern cut, and of course some new shoes that are in style. He really likes it and is more confident now.