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Part of my journey to agnosticism/atheism involved leaving my family behind. I was adopted as an infant, but once I became a person, even before I left Xtianity, I wasn't accepted by the extended family and, in fact, was abused by my erstwhile parents. After I left religion the extended family considered me even more a stranger.

Does anyone else have a situation like this, or am I alone in my weird lack of struggle in this case? ?

#religion #parents
memorylikeasieve 7 June 5
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1

Level 7

No one has had much of a reaction but there is no one in my life that I would sacrifice my own sense of well being to keep. If they don't want me, I don't want them.

1

Level 8

Sadly, many of us experience alienation from the families we grew up with. I'm sorry you had to live through all of that cruelty. You're here now - welcome to your other family.

2

Level 8

Yep, and long before they knew I was an atheist. Lifelong issues, 60 years of issues thus far. I hope you find better in the future.

2

Level 8

You have paid for your right to be free. Most of my family has died off, I am now the oldest, but most of them weren't bothered by me being an Atheist. Good luck on your journey.

Thanks. ?

I kinda see it as a hard-earned freedom, too, sometimes.
2

Level 9

I am so sad, to hear of your experience. I can report that it is only marginally better in my family and no one was adopted! When we leave (especially The Christian) religion behind, you can expect to spend some time in the ‘wilderness,’ where it is lonely and not much is happening! We must hold onto our truth and allow others, their’s! Work to be happy, that is your most important job. I found being my own authentic person, gave me a ‘real’ life! At least I can relate back to society, from honesty!

Aye, I did feel as though I'd cast myself adrift, especially when I stopped talking to them altogether a couple years after I moved away. It's that security thing.

@memorylikeasieve yes, it is that ‘security thing!’ It has never left me, but I ‘manage’ it! Not fitting in, especially to where we come from, hurts! But, building up the ‘real’ person that you are, will give you strength to face the ‘hurt,’ that comes with not belonging...which will be in lots of different places! Nobody, belongs everywhere, but some of us need affirmation more than others and feel the sting of unacceptance, more deeply than others! We are not flawed...just deeply sensitive! We have every right to be here, just as we are...and don’t believe it, when someone says otherwise! Find your happiness and live there...
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