Be polite... Be atheist...
Seriously though, I don't bring it up in the vast majority of interactions because I don't find it necessary, but if I feel safe enough with someone to have that conversation, it's because I think they're mature enough to disagree without being combative. My beliefs are my own and I have no need to force you into them. If you extend me the same level of courtesy, there is simply no problem.

I live in the Bible Belt and rarely have I had any run-ins with people. there's a certain amount of religion that I could tolerate. I don't bring up the subject. If someone says something absolutely ridiculous, as long as it's not hurting anyone else, I just ignore them. I have run into more religious opposition as an agnostic on this site from rather radical atheists than I have from the Christians in the real world. to reiterate ,just don't bring the topic up and cause an argument.

Growing up I was taught to 'hate the sin, not the sinner.' Today I strive to 'hate the belief, not the believer.' Almost all engagements on religion appear pointless, as they bear little fruit--at least, not at first. But it is possible to plant seeds, as the believer will always remember with fondness, that nice nonbeliever who treated them as a person, and didn't behave at all like they were expecting.

I don't talk to them about my convictions; because I don't want them talking to me about theirs. I see it as a two-way street, and I stay on my side.

I've been an atheist for a long time and I'm still figuring this one out. I'll get back to you. ?

I don't mention it unless someone asks. Then I simply say I'm an atheist. One time at a funeral for a family friend in a church, someone asked my mom what denomination she is and she lied and said Presbyterian. I asked why she wouldn't just say the truth and she said she didn't want a conflict. I don't think it's right to hide non beliefs just as much as it's not right to push it down anyone's throat.

I don't think there really is a polite way to tell someone you think their mythical beliefs are foolishness, plus I don't like it when people preach to me so I don't preach to them. Now if they bring it up, then I start asking questions similar to the way Street Epistemology does, telling them that I am curious about their beliefs. It usually doesn't take long for them to start stumbling over their own beliefs and admit that it is all very personal and subjective.

the same as being a polite person

Mlst of the answers so far are basically keep quiet and say nothing, or be as brief on the subject as possible for fear we won't fall into a stereotype of being that "angry atheist." Well I would rather have that then being thought of being a nonbeliever because I'm ignorant or uneducated on the subject. Who cares if they think youre being offensive. As a nonbeleiver, not being able to go a minute without hearing about god during conversation, a song, a commercial, a movie, an advertisement....its offensive. Speak up and let people understand that you know more about this topic than they do. Ive been told the anger fades out over time. I've been an atheist for 11 years and it hasnt faded a bit. I'm tired of adults speaking like children and getting away with it and having it being normalized.

Don't ask. Don't tell. Polite until someone starts to god me and I say, i think we philosophically disagree. I will talk another subject except that one. My oldest sister, who is somewhat open minded for her religious beliefs and yet, still probably prays for me, doesn't allow me or her husband, who became ordained an evangelical minister after retiring from business to talk religion. Usually she tells her husband to shut-up I've heard it all before, it is family time.

Very simple. Just be a polite A-theist as you would a polite anything else. Do you find it difficult to be polite to those who believe in astrology?

i don't talk religion with people like that. i don't talk MUCH to people like that. i don't have close friends who believe that way. i have one friend, neither close nor distant, at whom i am currently angry because she prayed jesusly (hands-on, yet!) over my fiancé at his birthday bash, which was populated mostly with jews (and at least one atheist: me; he is not an atheist). her conversations tend to be punctuated with "praise the lord" and stuff like that. she was his friend, and became mine when he and i got together, but this is the first time she's actually pulled this stunt, and the next time we communicate i will tell her that it had better be the last time, too. i've never interfered with her beliefs, though i consider them coo coo for coco puffs. i do not appreciate her interfering with his.

g

Really depends on the person I am debating. I once encountered a very honest and bright theist at the YMCA (my gym/(theist hunting) ground). He was actually a great deal of fun to talk to. We asked each other a series of questions and answers and we actually agreed with more points then we disagreed. He was exceptionally well read and informed on the history of religion and open to open and honest debate. I positively recognized every one of his valid points and recognized "Thank you. I did not know that. I will research (insert topic here) data." and " I was not aware of (insert topic). Thank you I'll research this." Then introduce a counter-argument with, "But what about - - -" . As he was bright and honest, his response was very much like my response (I am not saying I am bright and honest but in this context, he mirrored my level of respect and our topics were beyond what most people would talk about (A person waked by and after a few moments listening to our discussion noted, "That's to deep for me) He often expounded on his point or (when appropriate) recognize his point had less merit then my counter-argument. We both gave each other time to respond. We began the talk around 22:00, the Y closes at 23:00 so we chatted in the parking lot till after 01:30 and left on good terms and both enjoyed the conversation. Sadly, of the many dozens of theist I have encountered there, as a theist, this guy was an anomaly. For the rest of the theists I debate, depends on what outcome I desire. Some (those that assert nonsense without understanding how pathetic they were) I am not nice, I will smile and point out in detail how their assertions are "Nonsensical" then dissect their assertion and choke them with their own stupidity. The lower the IQ the person presents, the less civil I am. On one account a not so sharp theist (science/climate change denier) replied. He sounded like the guy from "OFFICE SPACE saying "I I Believe you have my stapler"" - - "I do not like what you are telling me." While smiling, my response was, "I really do not care if you like what I am telling you. What you are saying is nonsense and does not represent reality. I am using facts to show you how wrong you are." - - -

Start by being polite to believers and non-believers alike. Don't seek to challenge the convictions of others in this regard, but remain firm in your convictions. Don't rise when baited by the religious because doing so will always provide fodder for their misconceptions of all atheists/agnostics as angry and tada! - you've just become Malfoy in every Harry Potter story

I tried being a polite atheist, but people won't listen. It sucks being so disadvantaged, especially with this twisted administration emphasizing religion whenever possible.

I get along with just about all religious people. I try to treat everyone with love and compassion. I figured I'd we try to treat everyone like human beings. There are some butt holes out there, I love those people too, lol. Sometimes it's just best to agree to disagree and walk away. No reason to lose your peace, on account of some close minded person ☺

Don't be the first one to bring it up.

Humor

I don't honestly think being an Atheist, or a believer has any bearing on being polite.
I've seen both.
I've known believer to be rude, and pushy and very impolite, I've also known some that are truly good people. The same thing applies to Atheists as well.

Polite? ?

No. There's no point in trying not to be offensive.

I never bring it up. What would be the point?

I never bring it up, but if asked I will say "you don't want my opinion, I'm an atheist"
Usually however that is blood in the water and the blood wine sharks start circling, questions fly and I answer them.
Invariably it is the theist who gets angry first, and accuses me of being disrespectful, then of being a bigot and then tells me I'll know the truth when I am screaming for mercy while burning in hell.

If the mood takes me I will then say something to the effect that I wouldn't care to worship someone who would do that to me under any circumstances and I can only conclude they do so out of fear not love, and then leave.

There's lots of times when I just save my breath. Not worth it a lot of the times.

I'm an atheist but not an anti-theist. Some people on here have been hurt by theism and are emotional when discussing it due to that. Personally I have not been hurt so I simply disagree. I don't offend anyone until they get deep into a discussion and want to know my opinion on their belief. Then we call Houston.