No worries...
Yes, I was thinking that you might make some new friends here who are "out" in both ways, too...
I think the "Ex" conversation should be broached with a potential good friend, or potential new lover when a natural opening presents itself, such as when Scientology is in the news, is under discussion, or cults or abusive groups in general are being discussed, or if someone asks you what your religious upbringing, experience or preferences are.
You don't need to say much of anything to casual friends or co-workers, etc.
This is for everybody: don't you be afraid to tell the truths of your life to the people around you!...just do it on a gradient that makes sense and is practical and reasonable for the surroundings and the people involved. You are all survivors and have learned some valuable lessons that others can benefit by, and I am SO PROUD of each and every one of you who lived to tell the tale of your experiences with Corporate Scientology.
I have not yet met one single Ex who got into Scientology for a bad or selfish reason, ALL had good reasons for getting in or joining up, starting being audited or starting training, just as you have had very good reasons for getting out! As for those who were born in and raised in it, you hardly had a choice, much less than for most religious groups, thanks to Sci private schools, the cadet org, and staff and SO recruitment being what it was...
If you have committed some overts against others while in, then yes, make apologies and do your best to make amends wherever possible. But other than that, you don't owe the world any long explanations, or anything at all in the way of apologies. You were a victim and are now becoming a survivor of an abusive moneymaking organization that pretends to be a religion. When you learned the truth, you got out, and are getting on with your life. That's all anybody not really close to you ever really needs to know about it, anyway. Flourish, prosper, enjoy!
Be the lovely ball of theta that you are...that goes for each and every one of you!
Get involved in the critic's movement, it's very empowering...that way it can come up naturally, as in, "I met the cutest guy at a raid this past weekend"!
(Everybody LOVES a pirate!
)
Good luck and God bless you wherever you go and whatever you do next!
Keep in touch with us and let us know how things are going for you!