Do you feel awkward?

Question

I feel so awkward when family members mention god (especially when they know I’m atheist). My parents are Jehovah witness and my step dad makes a point to mention it to me all the time. He implied that there’s no point in me going to college because “...this system won’t last much longer...” he’ll bring up “this system is coming to an end, and when it does, you know what’s going to happen” all the time, directly to me, even though he knows I don’t believe in that. It’s just so awkward and rude. 
Also it‘s so awkward when people don’t know that you’re atheist. My grandfather was telling me to “study hard, pray, and god will provide, won’t he?” Pretty sure the only one providing will be me providing good grades lol. What do you do in those kind of awkward situations?

Answer

It's super awkward and I handle it differently, depending. If I am in someone else's home, there's no reason not to observe customs like prayer before a meal (I bow my head). But, at my home there is no group prayer before a meal so someone would have to pray alone if they wanted prayer before eating. I also avoid discussion unless it is directly brought to me. If someone says something like, "God will provide, right?" I might say, "If you say so!" It's a non-confrontational way of not agreeing or disagreeing. However, if they continued by asking, "Do you not agree?" then I would answer the question kindly. I have the right to have my beliefs and nobody else needs to make me feel wrong for having them. I do expect people who love me to understand that I have different beliefs but I don't expect them to change. I am not offended by "Merry Christmas" because that is someone else's way of telling me to have a good day, in their own way. I also wouldn't expect not to hear about Christmas at Christmastime, although I would expect that those who love me wouldn't preach to me about Jesus in my home when I invite them over for dinner. It's a fine line, religious politeness...

Answer

Smile and wave boys, smile and wave.
Doesn't happen to me too often (luckily) and when it does, they are usually well-meaning purple/words. Not sure how I would react if someone was continuously "trolling" me, like your step dad does. But probably just "smile and wave".

Answer

I tell my dad 'alright then ' . he know that is me dismissing his God comment without being mean. I just pretend with other people if I don't want to get into that God debate.

Answer

Mostly at the time I would just nod and awkwardly smile when it comes to other family members. Your parents who -know- you don't believe in that stuff should be a different story. It's always sad to me when peoples' religions lead them to a nihilistic perspective like your stepdad's - like the world is gonna come to an end soon. Soon? People have been saying that in their religions for the past 5,000 years. "Soon! Soon! I promise it'll be soon!" Lol okay ... ~5,000 years later 🙄 so when it comes to your parents I would be a little more strong. Like "well, we don't all believe that and I am very interested in improving my life and the world now, not waiting for an after life" I feel like a statement said like that is not rude or harsh - it's just true. Sure, he wont be happy to hear it, but neither are you when he goes off on his beliefs. They will likely learn to just stop bringing it up with you in order to avoid tension.

Do you feel awkward?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products