I just don't understand. I mean, I have always been a non-believer but I just kept that to myself, growing up in a Catholic household. I was forced to get my 1st communion and I fought to NOT be confirmed but went through with those religious rituals anyway. But, after my father died when I was young, I'd had enough of the believer-facade. I just couldn't do it anymore. I told my entire family, "I don't believe in God. Sorry." And the shunning began. The birthday cards and family gathering invitations stopped -- except for my mother and siblings who still "believe" in God.

As hurt as I am by their hypocrisy, I find it humorously ironic because they are so fearful of not fitting in, of not being accepted by society, they'd rather sacrifice one of their own than support and love me for what I don't believe. Can anyone else relate?

I have some friends who are non-believers, and some Facebook friends who are Catholics. But those Facebook friends essentially ignore me in real life lately, more than before, since they found out I will not support their religious views anymore. I used to keep my opinions to myself, but when they'd start spouting off about all-things religion, I'd ask them to stop and change the topic because I don't believe what they do and felt it was disrespectful to me.