I didn't think I'd ever have a reason to go back to the assembly but my sister was getting baptised so I told her I would go. I would still like to keep on decent terms with my family who is still in. Otherwise, I would have said no.
There were only a five people that got baptised (four kids and one elderly person). Let's just say I remember why I stopped going. I opted to stay for the whole thing. The dubs were definitely a lot friendlier than they were when I went to the memorial for the sister who died a month or so ago. I have a small beard as well as long hair and a sister said "You should come back to the meetings. Then we'll work on cutting that beard and trimming that hair." I asked "Why would we have to do that?" "You need to look presentable." I trim my beard so it looks quite nice and my hair is long but it's not ragged looking. It just reminds me of one reason why I don't go anymore.
I just wish I could have convinced my sister to not get baptised. She's only 11! How can you make a life-altering decision like that at 11 years old? I did it at 12 so I see where her head is though. Gotta do whatever to make the parents happy. Sad thing is that I know some day she'll be in the same position that I was. Going through the motions, and wishing you hadn't made such a stupid decision.