[Ironhide]

Need some help talking to my parents about this...they are hardcore Christians and even when I was 17 going on 18 still living at home they made me go to church or threatened to kick me out on the spot. Now that I'm living on my own, I feel as if It's only right they know the true me, definitely not a hardcore loving devoted Christian as they feel they are. At around age 19 I felt that I was an Atheist...however with time came reason and knowledge and I now believe that I'm just non-religious, there may be a god up above but I do not spend my days worshiping and thanking him for every little thing.

Afraid that my parents will kind of dis-own me in a way, and stop talking to me if I tell them...any tips?

[Customer]

Honestly, you need to just come out with it. If they dis-own you, then much isn't lost because they're pretty bad parents. I understand they're hardcore religious people, my family is too. But if I were to come out as a non-religious person (Which I'm a christian) then they would accept me for who I am. I can't say that for all people, and I'm very glad with the parents I have. However, if they don't accept you for who you are that's their problem because I'm sure you're a really nice person.

[Ironhide]

Honestly, you need to just come out with it. If they dis-own you, then much isn't lost because they're pretty bad parents. I understand they're hardcore religious people, my family is too. But if I were to come out as a non-religious person (Which I'm a christian) then they would accept me for who I am. I can't say that for all people, and I'm very glad with the parents I have. However, if they don't accept you for who you are that's their problem because I'm sure you're a really nice person.

Thank you Custy Not that I'm more afraid of the consequences, I just dont have that much confidence, ever since I was little I had problems with that, and like social anxiety and stuff even to my own family.

[Customer]

Thank you Custy Not that I'm more afraid of the consequences, I just dont have that much confidence, ever since I was little I had problems with that, and like social anxiety and stuff even to my own family.

Oh I know that feeling all to well my friend.

[cr33pyguy]

Thank you Custy Not that I'm more afraid of the consequences, I just dont have that much confidence, ever since I was little I had problems with that, and like social anxiety and stuff even to my own family.

Been there, done that. Do you find one of your parents more comfortable to talk to, or more tolerant? If so, tell him/her first, and see the reaction, if this one takes it well, tell the other one, or ask for advice as to whether you should tell and how you should do it.

However if you find both your parents hard to approach, at least tell it to them in a casual way, in normal conversation (direct the conversation that way). Don't make a big deal out of it, no big "reveal" for it, that might help their reaction noe to a more casual one too.

You have to get it over with at some point, the best of luck to you

[Ironhide]

Been there, done that. Do you find one of your parents more comfortable to talk to, or more tolerant? If so, tell him/her first, and see the reaction, if this one takes it well, tell the other one, or ask for advice as to whether you should tell and how you should do it.

However if you find both your parents hard to approach, at least tell it to them in a casual way, in normal conversation (direct the conversation that way). Don't make a big deal out of it, no big "reveal" for it, that might help their reaction noe to a more casual one too.

You have to get it over with at some point, the best of luck to you

Thank you guys, and I guess my mother is a lot more tolerant, as a kid I used to tell her stuff I'd never mention to my father lol.

[cr33pyguy]

Thank you guys, and I guess my mother is a lot more tolerant, as a kid I used to tell her stuff I'd never mention to my father lol.

In that case you probably want to tell your mother first and see her reaction to it. It's the same with me, if I don't know of how my family would react I tell my mother first. One more thing is to remember eye-contact when saying it. Makes you come across as serious, and confident, so that no one happens to think you're joking, also it usually encourages confidence in others. Always the best thing to do, just in case.

[lux]

If you're having trouble confronting them, why not write a friendly letter to leave on the pillow or dinning room table?

[Mom]

"I'm an atheist. If you have a problem with that I can give you some Viagra to help you go fuck yourself."

No. Mother and I do not have a healthy relationship.

Honestly, you are what you are. It's like a festering disease: It'll only get worse the more you hide it.

[Ironhide]

Thanks for the ideas guys, just waiting for a good day to contact them and get together with them. (Remember, I don't live at home anymore so it's not as easy as going upstairs and asking to talk to them).