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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]NP
I have already had negative social interactions for not being religious. I have never disclosed that I'm outright atheist to anyone other than my dh. Even if others tell me they are, I don't say "yeah, me too". I just nod along smiling. I don't want to declare it for anyone else to pass judgment on, whether they would or not. Those who are religious promoting are choosing to put themselves out there as much as those who would claim atheism publicly, it's their choice but not mine.[/quote]

Sounds like you're embarrassed to be an atheist and afraid of how people would react if they knew.

I can relate to this, but not to the extent you mention.  I don't bring it up IRL, but will affirm my atheism if someone else mentions theirs.   Right now, it seems brave to say outright that you're an atheist, so I want people who do to know they are not alone.[/quote]

Not embarrassed, just afraid. Embarrassment is reserved for mishaps or things I can't change but would want to. Shame is involved at a personal level with embarassment, not just at dealing with an attempt to be shamed. I don't want to change being atheist but I'm not publicizing it.[/quote]

What are you afraid of?

Nobody has posted examples of any discriminatory or harassing or violent/abusive incidents resulting from disclosure of their atheism.

Nobody cares. If you are afraid of telling people you are atheist- it’s something inside you that makes you fearful.

Again, big picture- nobody cares. Nobody cares what you do and if you believe people have a specific and special interest in you- it’s a you problem. [/quote]

Even fearful sounds a bit much when these situations involving religious discussion happen every few years. I'm not living in fear if I didn't proclaim my atheism to a second cousin 5 years ago. Discriminatory, no because I haven't been in work situations of imbalanced power. This is just acquaintances, neighbors or distant relatives recoiling and/or advising me on how I am going down Satan's path (worst incident) or being incredulous that I can know right from wrong or that I can even be a good person (most common) in their eyes for "not being religious". There's no way I'm going to be proclaiming it's a bit more than straying down the path of not going to church. But there was a time religion was a bigger topic for some reason, maybe before covid. Nobody mentions it much anymore in terms of pointed questions but maybe I'm due for it soon. I would agree that nobody cares at the moment, I still am not going to discuss it. If its a me problem or not, I've had my experiences and don't wish to relive them even if they weren't "violent/abusive incidents".[/quote]

Acquaintances, distant family, and neighbors talk about people- their significant others, how they raise their kids, how they cook their meals, where they vacation, how clean or unclean they keep their homes- you name it- people talk about it.

You think your atheism is special and you are being specifically judged for it? Nope. It’s common social interaction. Your second cousin twice removed rolling her eyes is really that harmful to your psyche? A new neighbor being taken aback at the mention of atheism is affecting you so negatively?

Much ado about nothing. You are too sensitive and too worried about what others think of you. You need talk therapy because you post about this repeatedly. It’s affecting your life negatively and in response you obsess about it online to strangers. Deal with your emotions in a positive and constructive way.

You will experience perceived negative reactions and have uncomfortable experiences while interacting with other people throughout your life. That’s a fact. We all will. Be glad yours are superficial and harmless. [/quote]

I've only posted on page 3 and in response to your posts. I don't even post on any other threads about atheism! I'm just responding to your Henny Penny comments that make me out to be severely affected by telling you it's not a common discussion but I don't seek out the interactions either. I read the op and thought I would likely have had her dh's outlook. No obsessions about the topic but curious about you and your posting style now.[/quote]

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