In the years I came up as a JW........late 1950's to mid 1960's it was a more open religion. Plenty of parties and gatherings.
Freddy Franz was pissing out his theology in every WT mag. We thought this was all normal. He pissed and we accepted it. Back then people went to church each week just like the JW's. We didn't celebrate birthdays or Christmas but everyone had a turkey on thanksgiving.
With no internet we just accepted the JW religious bull crap. We could go on a date, dance like crazy at a party. Take long breakfasts or lunches out in service. The fellowship would often be the highlight of our week.
Guy's usually headed to Bethel instead of collage. The Missionary work was like a bright light. Early marriages prevailed as did pioneering........... the wife and I lived in the basement of our parents home as we spent needless time pioneering.
Being a JW was a really low life style. We were entirely invisible to our non JW community.
We left in our 20's and it took us until we were we were in our early 30's to actually feel like we were finally living in the real world. Decent jobs, other non JW family to associate with and new friends. Today it would take a person two weeks to realize what BS (the internet) this religion is.
Family discontent has become worse both for JW's and or those wanting to leave. Shunning has increased....... thank you Gov Body.
I still have contact with a few JW's and to be honest I don't know what they believe any more.....nor do they.
The best they can come up with is an embarrassed shrug.