I say I am of no faith I am an atheist.

If confronted, I would personally use the term 'non-believer'. It hasn't happened very often in my life. I think of it as a private quality about myself that most people don't know unless they know me well. For example, at work, I doubt it will ever come up. Anyway, I don't have the energy to battle it out with Christians to explain my values and my lack of belief. But if it comes up in conversation, I will identify as an atheist. There have been instances where people are quite surprised to find out my identity and it has been met with curiosity and a bit of awkwardness. I am not a spiritual person but I have some empathy for the people who do still use religious belief to cope with their lives. Members of my family and extended family range from moderately to 'severely' (ha ha) Christian. It is something to navigate on a case by case basis, I think.

Sometimes, if I want to avoid offense, I will say,
"I have my own beliefs about spiritual matters. I like to be free to pick my own beliefs rather than have to stick to what some organized religion preaches."

If you're interested in explaining to christians why you believe what you believe, say something. If, after a couple of go-rounds, you find it easier just to let it slide, then just let it slide. Personally, I dislike face-to-face confrontation (it's almost certain to head in that direction) & when someone tells me they're christian, I just nod & smile, then change the subject as quickly as possible. If they persist, I excuse myself.

I usually match their wording. If they are discreet about how they say it, I will do the same such as, I do not have a religion. If they are in my face, then I can be too all the way to saying I am antitheist.

I was indoctrinated very young by a fundamental Pentecostal mother. In her defense she was doing what she thought she must to keep me from hell. Everything revolved directly around Christianity and god. Even as far as praying for a flat tire on a vehicle, that obviously never worked. I read the Bible attempting to get closer to god in my 20s. As Asimov said, reading the Bible was the fastest and possibly the only way I was able to become an atheist. It was the late 90s or so. My conversion was difficult, saddening and scary. Since then I've read it a couple more times and have studied the history of Christianity, the different Bible origins, council of nicea etc.
Long story to say I was nervous in the beginning about claiming to be an atheist. I was literally taught from birth that "there are none that do good". 20 years and a mountain of knowledge later and I'm very proud I was able to free myself from such deep indoctrination, and I did it alone, surrounded by Christiana trying to keep me in the fold. Today I can honestly say I've never met a Christian that knows the Bible as well as I. You really can't and maintain belief.Many of my friends and family tried years ago to proselytize to me. Now they barely utter a bless you after a sneeze around me. Nobody wants to pull my string and get me started.?.

I don't volunteer it unless asked. Because it's not an important part of my life. If they do ask, then I might say something like oh I don't go to church or I'm not religious.

I don't say anything unless it comes up in conversation. Then it is normally well actually I am an atheist.

I really don't care what strangers think...I don't know, I don't have answers, I don't make up answers. That's what I'd tell them, and I don't do "faith".

I think you will find you are not " surrounded by Christians" as you think, the number of " Nones " is growing rapidly in the US. The figure is over 20% now and growing, although they may still be " spiritual " , what ever that means.

I am lucky, I live in the UK. in My 30's when someone told me they where Christian I used to reply " Oh! How unfortunate for you! " , I have mellowed a bit now.

You would probably have to say something like "I'm an atheist" No doubt then. Everyone can move on.

I don't proselytize but I answer truthfully and don't get defensive if asked. The only problem I have had is "...so are you an atheist an agnostic?" Then if I explain that I self-refer as atheist but agnostic is probably more accurate since nobody KNOWS there is no superior intelligent being, they say, "So! You're saying there might be a ?" Aaaand the discussion then goes downhill...

Since the word atheist has negative vive to it. For some reason. I would just say "There is not enough evidence for me to accept X religion"

It doesn't come up often but when people find out I lost a child, they often say "Well at least he's in a better place". Depending on my mood (and how self-righteous vs genuinely concerned they seem) my reply is usually that "Actually, according to your rules, he's burning in hell since he wasn't a born-again Christian...and neither am I".
The look on their face is usually priceless....but that's what they get for assuming we share beliefs

I think we are all aware that Political Correctness has found its way into most interpersonal communications. It seems the purpose behind this is to avoid giving offence to any other human being or group relating to their physical attributes or intellectual processes. This princip!e is currently applied in issues regarding, behaviour, social interaction, political affiliations and religious bliefs; but is often ignored in discussions regarding religious issues. Many religious believers (and "pretend" believers) feel justified in responding quickly and strongly critically to the statement '" am an atheist" or I am not convinced that there is a god.

I think we are all aware that Political Correctness has found its way into most interpersonal communications. It seems the purpose behind this is to avoid giving offence to any other human being or group relating to their physical attributes or intellectual processes. This princip!e is currently applied in issues regarding, behaviour, social interaction, political affiliations and religious bliefs; but is often ignored in discussions regarding religious issues. Many religious believers (and "pretend" believers) feel justified in responding quickly and strongly critically to the statement '" am an atheist" or "I am not convinced that there is a god". This reaction varies from criticism to the death penalty in some countries. Is it possible that the self righteous brainwashing at all stages in a religious is so strong that the offended person is outraged to a point where it seems justified

I'm honest and just tell whomever the truth when asked if I believe. The reactions I get are priceless sometimes. The next question is usually, " Well what do you believe in?"

Just be real and say who you are. If they are real and decent people, it won’t matter what you believe. But history of course says different of course. Whoever cannot accept you as you are isn’t worth your time

It depends on what they are saying and if they are addressing me. If they are looking to me for any kind of response to their religious talk, I will say I am an atheist.

I explain that I have spent many years exploring the different faiths and decided my best avenue is to distance myself from all...if they will like to discuss a different subject, I am pleased to accomodate...

Skeptic,,, seems like a better word choice than atheist when talking to Bible bumpers

I don't socialize with religious people problem solved.

Yes
....tell them you are a Capital A "Atheist" and say you wouldn't push the xian religion on Jews so do the same and keep your hell threats and heaven bribes for other xians

I'm always reminded that i'm gonna end up in the lake of fire......
"FOREVER AND EVER"

I don’t bring it up unless they ask. I wish I could be more open about it.