won't say a word but keep looking at them with a strange made up smile.
they will crawl away like a crab

I only say something if they bring it up. Given that I work in a scientific field, I'm lucky in that most of the people I interact with on a daily basis are also atheists or agnostic, so despite being in the Bible Belt, its rare for my atheism to come up in a conversation with a theist.

Now, in those scenarios where I am conversing with a theist and a religious topic comes up, I don't mock or belittle them and I don't cut in "well, I'm an atheist, so...". I simply share my thoughts on the topic at hand and it becomes rather quickly apparent that I'm not a believer.

I do not push my beliefs on others.

Only if someone asks directly will I mention it. Otherwise, it's my own personal belief, and I have no business pushing it on others.

I found if it comes up it's easiest to just say I'm an atheist. If I skirt around it or sound like I'm "only doubtful" I'll get an earful of how god loves you and don't worry god has a plan. Atheist seems to make people go quiet right away.

Unless they come at me with "I am a Christian (or Jew or Muslim or whatever)", I don't feel it necessary to make it part of my "getting to know me" spiel. Really, don't most people just exchange names and jobs and talk about families and whatnot? If they are that aggressive that they have to introduce themselves with their religious belief, then just do it back. Otherwise, if it eventually comes up in conversation, then just say it. Theists have no problem stating their religion, or where they attend church, etc. Why should you?

I just usually say I have no religion and no gods if I do not know the people. I only use the word Atheist with people I know. All my friends and family know my views (most of my family is super religious). I cannot believe the stigma behind that word in the US.

I use to announce it, back when I felt smart about it. But most people don't see it as an intellectual development. They see it as spiritual corruption. Nowdays, I don't say it in a bragging manner anymore.

This is just so not an issue here.

I never hide the truth, I just state that I am an Atheist, I state it as loud and clearly as the situation dictates/requires and defend my stance when and where ever necessary. Be proud to be an Atheist, Be honest about being an Atheist and NEVER surrender you convictions for anything or anyone.

Generally, other peoples beliefs are not important to me and don't impact my life. Their religion is none of my business as mine is not theirs. I do not go out of my way to tell someone I'm an atheist but if pressed I just say their beliefs are not mine or their god is not mine.

Here in Arkansas, I just keep my mouth shut.... I don't want to talk about something that'll just make no difference, and have people "pray" for me.... I don't have time for it.

Very firmly!!

We are all programmed to be in a box of conformity but I always tell the truth whether it benefits me at the moment or not. Each life has their own path and they are in their own transition towards our goal which is to be the Gods of our own earths. Its a slow process, but we are on our way, with many people waking up to the fake reality the media has forged for us. There is more light than darkness on our planet now and they evil will be in full disclosure, waking more people.

At least you use a small a. They like to depict "Atheist" (with a captial A) as being just another religion.

I don't divulge that I'm Agnostic very often. When I do I tell people that I believe in morals and humanity but not the supernatural Jesus.
I'm super annoyed by Merry Christmas and the fallacy of a war on Christmas. I feel like responding to their "Merry Christmas" with "Happy Hannaka" or something just so these people realize that they are not the only ones who matter this time of year. Can't wait until Christmas is done with.

Usually only if they ask me directly.

I try to be completely myself, in all places, with all people. I stopped living a life of pretense about 10 years ago. So if the discussion comes up I never shy away from telling people that I am an atheist. I am also public about my secularism.

there is nothing more difficult than saying that in Arabian world and I was saying that. but first you have to know the person and show him that you are a good person.

I just say that I am an atheist

No. I generally tell them I’m agnostic, or, if they're selling their bs at my door, I tell them to go bother someone else.

I usually don't. I pick apart their logically fallacious arguments while letting them assume I'm just a bad Christian. Otherwise there is no talking to theists, or least no listening from them.

While rangering in the Uintas, I spoke to a backpacker who was obviously just off a LDS mission. He began his religious line, then I told him I was LDH; Church of Jesus H. Christ of Latter-day Hedonists. That shut him up, and I was able to squeeze in a little bit about "Leave No Trace" camping.

i agree with people saying that you should hold off on telling people. let them get to know u before revealing this to them. also maybe even getting to know them and seeing if they seem mature enought to handle it would be good too. or hell sometimes even just keeping to yourself may be a better option

I'm an escapee from the bible belt. When I go back, I describe myself as a vegetarian atheist from California. That seems to elicit the understanding that I am very groovy (in spite of atheism)