I’m lucky in that I live in the UK and so ‘coming out’ as an atheist isn’t a big deal as it might be in some part of the US. However, my dad’s second wife is ‘born again’ and cannot say a sentence without mentioning Jesus. Oh, and she cheated on my dad but got away with it by saying that ‘her lord would forgive her’. I called her out on her bullshit on Facebook once and her reply was that I “wouldn’t be laughing when I was being judged after I was dead”. Horrible horrible woman.

But mostly I associate with free-thinkers, many of which are agnostics, atheists or secularists. Some nicer Christians accept it and use it as a topic for discussion and perfectly okay with it.

Which reminds me of a story of when I was flying to NYC once. I found myself sat next to what I thought was a Catholic priest. He had the burgundy cassock, skull cap, crucifix around his neck, the works. I was dreading an eight hour flight but I actually had one of the most enjoyable trips of my life. He told me that he was an Orthodox Catholic, a small sect in the Southern US that supported gay marriage, women’s rights and women bishops. They weren’t a rich dinomination but raised money for the homeless and addicts. Priests were allowed to marry and he introduced to me to his husband. And I kid you not but he was called Bill (short for Bartholomew) and his husband Ted! Such a nice guy. But when I told him straight out that I was an atheist, he shook my hand and said “That’s good, because you believe something”

Atheist is a loaded word these days. If you are ready to educate people what the word actually means, go for it. If you're not in the mood for a fight say 'skeptic'. Less negative craziness attached to that word.

I always try to do so with sensitivity and respect I do so in terms of explaing what works for myself and that we all most chose our own philosophical path to follow. We all seek contentment and context in our own way and that I would not fault others for choosing to believe differently

Try to be something that I found most religious people are not, HONEST, tell them straight out and openly that you are an Atheist and proud to be one. It may lose you a lot of 'friends' BUT over time you will come to realise that you didn't really need them after all as you gain even more stronger and truer friends from the world of Atheists.

I am an atheist?

It depends on why I'm telling them... my religious affiliation or lack there of doesn't define me to the point that I feel I need to tell everyone but by the same token if I do decide to let them know I just say it as casually as they say "I'm a Christian." That's cool, it isn't how I feel but if your religion gives you peace and you're not shoving it down my throat to each their own.

I usually do not go out of my way to talk about religion to people I've just met. Usually I just say "no" if people ask if I go to church. Most of the time they don't try to press the matter. I don't mind a good discussion in certain circumstances though. It just depends on them.

I don't. I guess mainly because I don't see myself as an atheist because I never went to church. I say stuff like "I'm a retired physician." or "I'm a mandolin player". Because those things are real to me, whereas their religion is real to them.

I personally wouldn’t bring it up unless prompted, and even then, I’m careful to read the situation before spilling the beans.

Agnostic can be a easier way as most religious people understand what agnostic is. Atheist is moor taboo and also misunderstood more so with out the chance to explain your beliefs they could presume some stupid idea about what that really means. I say Atheist whenever possible. Mainly to draw out any misconceptions but this can be riskier as could leave someone ignorant believing very incorrect info about you.

I don't feel the need to volunteer the information, unless someone steers the conversation to religion and then starts digging or demanding approbation or agreement. Then the gloves come off.

Maybe just mentioning that ' it is not my thing, ' would suffice?

I'm in the same boat so to speak, I live in a very religious neighborhood of Christians and Muslims, there's no tension between the two groups but they both get hostile or upset when I mention that I'm not religious. So I just keep quiet about it, if you don't want to be harassed I would recommend just staying quiet about it and just have close family and friends know about it. Try to find a group or small community to be your complete self in.

I say, I am a rational evolutionist period or sometimes just evolutionist.

If & When the subject comes up, I just say, "i am not religious At All" and move on.

If not ask no problem,if asked then yes

Respond only when asked...

I generally don’t offer information about things I am not unless specifically asked. I wouldn’t tell someone I don’t believe in chiropractic practices just because they said they use one.

I would not say i'm an athiest. I believe in a "creator".....I just don't believe in the biblical god.....and Jesus and all that bullshit....."the lake of fire" satan......the list goes on and on....I do believe in reincarnation too. Stevenson did some great studies on that.

I don’t. I live my life an an example of a good and decent human being. When asked, I tell them the truth and most are a bit shocked. I point out examples of human misery and demise throughout history and ask them, “why”.

If they ask what denomination I am, I say "Oh, I'm not religious." If they press, I tell them that my parents are not religious and neither were my grandparents. I never set foot into a church until I attended a concert in one when I was a teenager. Most people leave it at that, some "judge" me with commentary. One of my students calls me a "heathen" tongue in cheek, I know he cares for me

I don't.
I may discuss my views with them if they ask, but I'm not going out of my way to label myself for anyone.

I tend to be blunt about it, if they wish me to except there faith, then they must except the fact that I don't have any

“Yo! I’m an atheist! Any questions?”

It is a .......well.........cross.........we have to bear. In my many years of being antitheist I have had to tell many people I am atheist. Usually, I just say I am atheist. What are you afraid of? You do not have the burden of defense. If you are lucky they will ask you questions and you will answer them cordially. If telling them has no benefit to you or it irrelevant then don't bother.