If you are an atheist, you’ll come across your share of religious people who are genuinely curious about and respectful of your perspective, even if they completely disagree with it. You’ll also encounter religious people who are ignorant about atheism, eager to convert you to their truth, and/or hostile to your very presence. Many disagreements and arguments can be avoided through tact, patience, and common sense. And when they can’t (or shouldn’t be) avoided, a thoughtful and respectful approach can help prevent a contentious situation.

All my friends at school are Christians. Whenever someone brings up a topic about religion, they ask me if I believe in god. I freeze up and say, "I believe in some god, I just forget." I don't like doing this, so how can I change this?

Don’t just say you’re open to learning something new; mean what you say. In learning more about other faiths, you’ll only broaden your own worldview. If your beliefs will be threatened by knowledge, then maybe they ought to be reconsidered anyway.

You may think the other person’s belief system is ridiculous, but offering ridicule will get you nowhere positive. Just because you may have read somewhere that there is a negative correlation between IQ and religiosity (that is, that less intelligent people tend to be more religious) doesn’t mean you should make generalized assumptions or critical remarks about the other person being “foolish” or “delusional.” Offer respect if you want to be given respect.

Make an effort to understand the other point of view by listening and asking questions. This will show that you are engaged in the discussion. If you don’t have specific questions, ask open ended ones such as, “Tell me more about your beliefs” or “How did you come to believe what you do?”

Before you can explain to others what it means to be an atheist, you need to be able to explain it to yourself. You don’t have to use a textbook definition of atheism — there is no single “atheist” view, just as there is no single “Christian” or “Hindu” view. Come up with a definition that works for you.

It is very difficult for a constructive dialogue to take place if there is no common ground of understanding between the two parties. Before engaging in a conversation with a religious person, educate yourself on the basics of their beliefs.

If things get too heated, simply walk away. There is no shame in leaving a conversation that isn’t going anywhere. You can always choose to resume the discussion at another time if you choose, but you need not do so if you see no point in trying again.

Having a lively discussion with someone who hopes to convert you can help to clarify your thoughts and learn more about others' beliefs. Getting into a heated debate or outright argument with someone who is never going to budge, however, won’t achieve anything positive.

Don’t try to determine whose point of view is right, especially when dealing with something as deeply personal as religious belief. Attempting to resolve who is right and who is wrong will only prove futile. Focus on explaining what you believe and why in a calm, reasoned manner.

Even if you are resentful because you feel like religion is often forced upon you, don’t stoop to the same level. If “bullying” tactics don’t work in convincing you that you should be religious, don’t expect the reverse to work with others.

Instead of reacting defensively when someone attacks your point of view, take a moment to collect your thoughts. Determine what you want to say before you say it.

While it’s healthy, instructive, and usually necessary to spend a good bit of time around religious people, it’s also alright to seek out the comfort of being around others whose perspectives align more with your own. With a little searching, you’ll probably find a welcoming community of fellow atheists.

As an atheist, there will be times when you will feel you need to stand up for what you believe — be it the teaching of creationism in public schools or prayers before city council meetings. It’s okay to decide that every little thing isn’t worth fighting for, though — like choosing to simply sit quietly during a prayer before a group meal. You have to decide for yourself when to “let things go.”

Instead of sitting back and hoping the conversation doesn’t turn toward religion, or waiting for it to pass on to another subject if it does, you can work to steer the conversation towards topics that may be more comfortable for everyone involved.

You should never feel like you have to lie or pretend about what you believe (or don’t). If you’re asked about your religious beliefs, be honest. However, you also don’t need to be a walking advertisement for atheism at all times either.

Just be calm and know there's other people in the world who hold the same belief as you. Try to think in their shoes that they were brought up in a religious setting or they have strong faith inside of them or religion may help them and you may be able to understand their perspective too without engaging in that particular religion.

If you are dealing with someone who is persistent in wanting to discuss religion, say something like "I understand that you see your beliefs as the truth, but I feel the same way about mine."

Many atheists find belief in a supernatural deity to be irrational. However, stating this perspective bluntly is bound to cause hurt and discord. It will almost never change minds. Be thoughtful and respectful.

The best way to deal with religious people as an atheist is to avoid the subject of religion, so try not to bring it up whenever possible. If someone else starts talking about religion, change the subject. For example, respond to the question, “What religion are you?” with “I watch football every Sunday, but my mom says that’s not a religion. Seen any good movies lately?” Additionally, avoid conflicts by being respectfully quiet during religious activities, such as prayer, and by not trying to push your beliefs on others.