I just don't bring it up. If I do, I simply say that I am secular or I say that I am unaffiliated. Then I leave it at that.

Personally I like to beat around the bush a little bit. I tell them that I'm a theist and don't believe in any deity.and if they know the definition of those two words I'll come out and say I'm an atheist. Remember they're the ones being dishonest they're asserting something to be true which is evidently not true, they're the ones being dishonest, I'm proud of the fact that I'm not ignorant and gullible enough to swallow all this supernatural nonsense.

No I don’t. There is no reason for me to label myself. It’s like politics, you can’t change people from who they are and there is no reason to convince them to change. I know who I am. That’s all that’s important.

No, you are doing it right, tell them you are an Atheist with pride and humility at same time: they tell us that nonsense all the time!

I usually let the conversation lead there in a somewhat natural way. Like if they say some religious expression or thought, I question it and point out fallacies until they think I either really, really love asking questions, or realize I must not believe in what they are saying.

I wear t-shirts with Athiest logo, science fiction etc. Then you start seeing true colors from people. I also wear t-shirt which says 'Science doesn't give a shit in what you believe in' and few other t-shirts like those. If someone comes to me asking me if I am an atheist, my job becomes simple and I just have to say 'Yes'. But theists mostly won't ask you if you are 'atheist' normally. It's for me normally an atheist or agnostic person who will easily find that I am an atheist. ?

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 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...

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

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...

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.