Today, my friend at work asked me if I was an atheist and I told her that I was. She was genuinely fascinated and actually really nice about it. “Coming out” as an atheist in the South is hard and actually kind of scary. I always think people will look at me differently and treat me badly. I was surprised and pleased with her reaction. She was curious and had questions, but respectful. It was nice and refreshing.
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Refer her to all the great YT vids of harris, hitches, ra, dillahunty.
We don't have to be annoying. But being prepared is essential.
I have been with people who needed to pray for their family members. I did not object. The man needed to do what he needed to do. However silly it may be.
Other times, i have had to be careful to not too disturb the catholic who is suffering from heart disease. No point in causing a dying person to think differently.
JacarC
Level 8
May 25, 2018
0
If you are an strong independent thinker and empowered by the facts, science, history and rationale, then what to fear about; why choose to hide, right? 
AnandaKhan
Level 6
May 25, 2018
0
Good for you. Have no fear, it's 2018 and we will progress as a species.
jujuofthesea
Level 7
May 25, 2018
1
I’m in NC; I understand! I finally came out as atheist to my evangelical family last year(was coming out as bi; might as well go all the way). Most people close to me always knew. My brother was more upset about the atheism, lol. His face, I wish I had video.
Most folks are at least respectful or BECOME respectful after I refuse to be preached at.
CarolinaGirl60
Level 8
May 25, 2018
3
That IS refreshing! You likely have a pleasant personality and seemed open to her frank questions. Good for you! I wish more coming out interactions were as peaceful! I also have pretty good luck with interactions such as that. It's energizing to feel that your dialog was like a bridge between two ways of thought/spirituality.
Julie808
Level 8
May 25, 2018
2
That's awesome. I'm not even from the South but I still have religious crazies basically stalking me and trying to force their beliefs on me. You're not alone. It's nice, however, to know there are people out there who have a sense of respect for others regardless of their beliefs.
Ravensasha121
Level 5
May 25, 2018
2
That's weird..I'm more the one who feels like the religious nuts have a lot to explain for their crazy behavior and for electing Trump, refusing to stop believing his obvious lies.
I challenge their beliefs if they post religious platitudes on Facebook, private messaging them to ask if they are a Trump follower also, then saying they share the blame for the killing of LGBTQ people, school shootings with military weapons, and oppression of minorities that has happened since his election.
Then I defriend them. I don't give a rat's tail if they like me or not, and I also did this to most of my cousins already on my dad's side of the family, since they are staunch Trump and NRA-supporting, GOP Methodists. My mom's side of the family are liberal United Methodists who seldom attend church and really don't care,
birdingnut
Level 8
May 25, 2018
1
True friends are understanding. Glad you had a positive experience. Helps so that next time you won’t be so hesitant
Freethinkerr
Level 6
May 25, 2018
2
Coming out as atheist can be comparable to coming of as gay because it can sometimes have very similar judgements and repercussions.
DarwinistOne
Level 7
May 25, 2018
2
Courage. I was an atheist in the Midwest, so I can empathize. It felt suffocating. I ended up joining a Meetup group of heathens and made some of the best friends ever. It was my outlet and so much fun.
Falsifiable1
Level 5
May 25, 2018
3
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