I hope she left you a monetary tip. You can tell people I'm definitely a believer. They don't have to know what you believe in. Follow up with may the Lord bless and keep you. We all do what we need to do to survive.

The person who has the worldview that is more nearly aligned with reality is, in my view, the more mature person, regardless of chronological age. So, perhaps unfortunately, it becomes your responsibility to "take directorship" of the conversation, the way you would with a child. That is to say, not let the lesser informed person steer it.

I try to do this by looking for something we can find agreement on, instead of letting our natural instincts draw us into conflict. For instance, asking her what her born-again status means to her in terms of values. If she says it means she values compassion, tolerance, charity, etc. then I can assure her, with a straight face, that we are of the same heart, spiritually.

If she replies that it just means she's going to Heaven, then I might say something like, "Well I'm confident neither of us are going to Hell". You have been truthful, without allowing yourself to be dragged into pointless conflict with someone who is unlikely to be influenced by reason. As the saying goes, you can't reason someone out of a position they were never reasoned into.

Details will vary of course, but this is all to say that A., The truly better informed person is better equipped to direct the conversation, rather than to become a victim of it, and B., there is never any need to become defensive, condescending or rude with a child. No matter their age. You are the adult in the room.

I meet them in my neck of the woods, too. I rarely have to discuss religion … but I do peek at their obituaries.. You are the hope for this nation, persevere

Don't sweat it girl be strong in your beliefs as well don't let what people think bother you