Good topic FBF -
I always felt that no-one really understood what it was like to have been involved with the JWs, so it wasn't anyhting that I discussed freely with family and friends. In a way it was 'my secret' a part of my past that I had locked away. However, by locking it away i wasn't acknowledging it or resolving it in my head.
The first time I lurked on this board was a very powerful experience, this was the first time that other people understood exactly what I had been through! This was amazing, as I always felt isolated in terms of my ex-JW status. Being able to discuss all of this is really liberating for me, as my previous association with the JWs is something I have been reluctant to reveal or discuss. Maybe I should lighten up! lol.
I still gain a lot from the board, and not just the JW stuff, there is a lot of other interesting and informative topics which never fail to entertain or educate, sometimes both.
Last, but by no means least - I have also met and communicated with people I wouldn't have had contact with before.
FF