Theists try to convert me because maybe I was "never a real Christian" or possibly "my baptism didn't take the first time around." I think it's funny. If they persist and I get to them ( I studied for the ministry) a change happens and they start telling me what their "Holy Goat" is telling them to tell me. It's like the HG is a go between because they read that somewhere in their Buybull. It's a different version of "Simon Says."

I no longer hold my tongue about my atheism. I don't make it a point of telling everyone either.If someone wants to talk religion, I'll talk Atheism.

I run a faculty book club at my high school. We just read Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, and I mentioned that I appreciated that he is so open about being an atheist. This teacher goes "I don't believe people are really atheists. I think they are just angry." I just looked him like ?, and he says "oh are you an atheist?". I'm like YES ?. He responds "oh ok" and I just kept talking like he hadn't said anything. So no. It's not just where you are.

I don't volunteer the information, but I don't pretend to be anything I'm not, either. If they are trying to change me, they aren't really my friends anyway because my friends like me just the way I am.

I make no secret of my atheism, but don't particularly do anything to advertise it. I don't care who knows and who doesn't.

I do make a point of it though if someone else makes a point of their religion. I hate the double standard where people are allowed to be enthusiastic about a belief in God but not enthusiastic about a denial of god. I am not going to hide my atheism. I'm a godless heathen through and through, and other people can accept it or not.

I have no problem being atheist. I honestly feel better if people know. I feel people who are thiests like to put you in a box, like a nationality or skin tone but for me, it's not like that. I only wish to be treated with the same respect afforded others and honestly wish humans would put an end to the fallacy.

I never remain quiet about being an Atheist. If friends or family start speaking to me with religious flair or fervor I always remind them that I respect their view (even if its completely mindless) but I don't share it.

I also have a 3 strikes rule with everyone -- it goes like this >> If I am talking to someone and they make more than 3 religious references I will begin poking holes in their beliefs/logic and begin asking them what do they really believe less what the church has planted in their heads - try it and you will be amazed how little independent thought is really in use nowadays

Sounds remarkably similar to my experience.

Around friends? No.

At work, however... Man, I live in Texas and while it's perfectly acceptable for xians to run around with the bible on their sleeve, not so much for us non-believers. So I keep my views close to the vest and rarely express them to coworkers, customers, or the general public.

I'm quiet around certain people, especially my step mothers family. They are all religious and think the Bible is reality. I really have to bite my tounge when they say that we are all descendants of Noah. I can't deal with people that ignorant, but I quietly sit and suffer a little, maybe do a mental face-palm. Others, I will be vocal about their ignorance and point it out as to why they are wrong.

It was pretty fun for me when I was (truthfully, in the past) telling people I'm an atheist who leads hymns at my church every Sunday and takes my role in the music program very seriously. Confusion, mild discomfort, changing of subject--win!

The only people that know I'm Agnostic in my "real life" are those that are close to me. They don't care. I have believers in my family, and my best friends are believers, but they're not radicals. None of them have tried to convert me. They know I'm stubborn or strong minded anyway. Strangers don't know. Acquaintances don't know. I don't go running down the street yelling, "I'm Agnostic!!!". It's on a need to know basis. Although, on my dating/community profiles it's listed that I'm Agnostic.

It's partly the area. I doesn't come up really here in the NorthEast, at least not apart from the really rural areas.

But even here, I don't lead with my metaphysics. Most people don't care or if they do, they follow an unwritten rule that you never discuss religion or politics outside maybe your extended family.

I don't lead with my metaphysics because it's just not necessary or generally a good battle to pick. I have a lot more in common with people than is different and it's best always to focus on commonalities.

For the most part religion just does not come up as a topic of discussion. At least not in my experience. If someone casually expresses a belief I generally do not feel that I have to go there. If students ask me directly I tell them that as a science teacher in a science classroom I have to keep my beliefs private, so as not to sow confusion. I tell them that science does not deal in beliefs. In science, belief is irrelevant; what counts is what in supported by independently verifiable evidence: facts. God and the Devil? No evidence that they exist. Next question!

I usually deal with this simply by not having any friends.

I lived in the Seattle area and it was much easier to talk openly about my beliefs (or LACK of beliefs). Then I moved to a much smaller, and much more conservative town and I don't feel as comfortable, but I also don't have friends that live here.
I don't keep people in my life who aren't cool with atheism. I rarely bring it up with friends, as it just isn't ever a topic we discuss. I have christian friends who I love and support, but I've also met people who liked to always invite me to church and bible study and never took my personal beliefs seriously. I think, if anything, friends of mine forget I'm atheist? Lol they will make a comment to me about how you never want to get into a religious argument with an atheist because the atheist knows all of the details of the bible and will always win. ??

Those who know me, know I'm an atheist. I don't hide it from anyone.
Those who know me, know better than to try and disparage my atheism,
or convert me in any way. Anyone who has ever tried, has learned quickly
that it's a mistake. I do not shy away from debates of any kind, especially
religious ones. I honestly don't care if I offend believers. I don't respect
their beliefs, I don't respect religion. I don't have to respect anyone's religious
beliefs. I only have to tolerate them by law. I don't have any problem pointing
that out to anyone. Making that clear right up front limits the possibilities of
having to put up with ignorant efforts to "convert" me. I can defend myself and
what I know to be true, far better than any believer can defend their religion or
their god(s).

In Europe no one cares if you're an atheist same goes for many other areas in the US as far as I know. I'm sure there are many "closeted" atheists in your area too. I would just be open about it if there aren't too many negative consequences. That way you can show your friends that you are not automatically a bad person if you're an atheist. It seems to me that in your area people just don't know enough about atheism and that that is were most of the prejudices and fears come from.

I don't announce it, but I don't hide it either. Now, if someone asks me if I'm a believer, I'll be upfront about my Atheism.

No I have become use to that feeling.

It rarely comes up and when it does it's not usually a big deal. Except this one time when Mormon missionaries came to my door. They must have been fresh from SLC because when I told them I was an atheist their jaws dropped and they asked me all these questions.

It never comes up in conversations with my extended friendship group. We're all aware, in general, of others' philosophies. It's not a big deal with any of us.

It's not the kind of thing I will constantly volunteer, but if it comes up I will respond, and if it seems appropriate, I will bring it up my own self.