Yeah, looks that way. So far it seems that they have forgotten about it, so I am optimistic. May just manage to get out of this one OK and continue my little charade.

Atheist people think God didnt do this and no way around it, so? It still makes people think thier opinnion is right and everything else wrong

Yeah, when I get my own place I will definately not be afraid anymore. Sadly, that does not look like it will be happening very soon.

Nah, some may be like that but - just as religious people - the full range of fanaticism is represented, from very open to anal. I find most atheists' minds are more open than that. I mean, ok, maybe they're sure there's no God, but they're a lot less prejudicial of people who think otherwise (yea, depending on how far these people go), and that was the point.

When are you going to hav some free time? Wait till then. Anyway, you should be able to leave your parents home soon I guess (don't know how these thing work in Romania). I guess you have to pretend till then if you're really scared.

To be honest, if your parents stop loving you because of your beliefs, then this whole thing is not worth your time. Even my 80 year-old grandmother has accepted that I am an atheist, I have an asian girlfriend, my mum is also an athiest and never married (and raised me alone), and has a black boyfriend. She may be upset for a while, but she interiorises it and then just accepts it.

If you're REALLY sick of the situation and your relation with your parents, live abroad for a while. Your an EU citizen and your English is perfect. Renting a small room in and getting a shitty job for a few months in the UK/Ireland should be easy. You'll be isolated from your whole life for a while and can come back when ready. Maybe your parents will miss you and decide after that that they love you no matter what. If they don't, then you'll just be ready to leave their house.

Haha, I'll have some free time during the summer.

And all things considered, I don't see myself being able to get my own place 'till my 30s, unless I rent an appartment and get a roomate.

Also, I don't really understand. You say your mom is an atheist, so why was she upset because you're one? Or were you talking about your grandmother?

"Renting a small room in and getting a shitty job... yeah, living the dream!!! (LOL) It's actually quite impossible to do due to certain circumstances beyond my control. Still, it would be nice to make them miss me for a while. Maybe that way they'll appreciate me more. Traveling would be a nice thing to do during the summer.

Isn't what you think is right pretty much the definition of an opinion?

Yeah, I was talking about my grandma, my mum's cool whatever I do and I am.

Man, any lifestyle can be exciting for a while. I was saying that because it would give you independence and that's what you may need. You would be in a totally different environment and meet new people who don't give so much importance to things like your religion, etc. It would only be temporary.

I mean, that's what I did when I didn't know what to do and got tired of my life in Spain. It turns out I learnt English and got a degree in the UK (nearly, I'm finished in 3 weeks), and now I'm going to live to Japan with my gf (who I also met here). So I'm glad I changed to a crappy life for a while. I found out I liked crappy independence over a comfortable life without it, it made me much happier. I understand this may not be for everyone, though.

Anyway, if you can't do that for whatever reason or you don't like the idea (which is cool), you could just travel as you said during the summer. Give yourself one month. Give your parents time to think and to miss you. Reassure them that you'll at least celebrate christian holidays with them and will respect their beliefs. I mean, I celebrate xmas because it's an excuse to meet with my family, even though 80% of them are atheists.

And, ultimately, you are who you are, that's it. Don't let your parents or anyone screw with your life. Will they let you out of their lives forever? In that case, what can you do? It's not your fault. Eventually, I'm sure they will accept you, because they will want to keep their son I imagine.

I personally think you should just tell the truth. Will they disown you? Will they love you any less? I would'nt think you would want that,if that was the case,I really can't speak to how your parents would react,but I think that's the chance you have to take. You have to stay true to who you are. You can't just keep living a lie. I would think that keeping it bottled up inside,would be a constant burden and bad for your well-being. I'm sure feelings will get hurt,but again you have to do what in your heart feels right. This is all just my personal opinion,but I wish you luck on the matter.

I think it's both ways. In general, I think in countries where most people are religious, atheists are more vocal. In countries were most people are athiest, religious people are more vocal. I think it's kinda defending yourself against the majority. When everyone thinks different from you, you become defensive.

I heard that in the US atheists are pretty vocal (can't say it's true for sure though, never lived there), so I guess it's because they are a small minority. Edit: I also find that most people saying religious people are this or that on forums are from the US. No offense, that's the impression I got, I may be wrong.

In Europe, atheism is so normal that we don't feel the need to defend it. Almost everyone my age is an atheist, so we don't feel threatened as a group. At the same time, religious people represent a large enough part of the population that we just accept it as normal, too. I would say atheists and religious people respect each other pretty much in Europe, though I have seen religious people going door to door trying to convince people, and not atheists. Religious people see their number dwindling and try to avoid it.

Ultimately, it's all down to personal belief, and we should respect each other no matter what. I am never going to try and convince a religious person that God doesn't exist, and even think that if religion works for that person, then it's a good thing. Religious people I know respect me too, so no problem.