Posted by:
Mother Who Knows
(
)
Date: September 01, 2019 02:24AM
Sorry, Kizzie, that you have had to endure some very rude confrontations. No wonder you're a little worried.
I can't believe the Mormons have the nerve to treat us rudely in our own home! This has happened to me, too.
It gives you confidence to plan in advance, what you are going to say. You don't need to be creative or clever, and often just repeating the same response, like a broken record, is very effective. I'm always saying the same thing, with a friendly smile:
"Oh, I'm on vacation, so let's not talk about religion or work."
"This is a party! Let's not talk about anything heavy."
Followed by changing the subject. There are so many other things to talk about--really!
Another remark that works is, "Do you REALLY want to talk to me about this? I have learned a lot of facts about Mormonism!" Mormons are cowards, and this really does frighten them away.
Kizzie, I can almost bet money that no one will ask you WHY you left Mormonism. I've been out for over 10 years, and no Mormon ever bothered to ask me why. However, I have had many Mormons TELL me why I left! That is just rude, like your 2 other friends.
I would be very surprised if any Mormon would be willing to sit still and listen to your exit story--even the briefest, most positive version. I would be shocked if any Mormon would want to hear the Truth. They are scared of us! They don't want us to "shake their testimony." I promise you, if you start a conversation about YOUR religious experiences, your two friends would interrupt you and start bearing their testimony at you.
So, plan an advance how you are going to respond. Actually, it will be a good thing that your friends will want to avoid the subject. Do you really have an inner NEED to tell your one friend? Does she have to know? Don't upset her. Isn't your friendship about a lot MORE than just religion?
It would make you more confident to think up a reply to "Satan is on your shoulder." I would probably not say anything, but look at my shoulder and rub it, and move that my arm around. That deserves a ridiculous response.
Thanks for this thread, and the good advice on it.