"Hold your friends close, but your enemies closer"
Unfortunately, that's how I felt about the JW's in my congregation. They treated you like an enemy. Always tension, had to be careful what you said or did so as not to be judged. I have experienced many a congregation and see the same attitude in everyone. Any JW who says differently is lying.
Friends are loyal all the time, local JW's are not.
Our best friends were from outside our congregation. They were from all over the circuit, the country, and the world. But inside your local it was impossible to be close to anyone that treats people so poorly.
Now on the outside after leaving? Our family has become very close to us. Neighbors as well, we are always hosting some gathering for some reason, sharing a beer or two while watching a beautiful Arizona sunset. We are active in hobby clubs and plan to join a sailing one soon. (in Calif) Wife likes to volunteer in the local Hospice and take some art classes.
We are very content with our friends and have loved adding our newfound friends here.