go to heaven. Told him that everyone goes to heaven. He asks "even murderers?" and I said Yes! Didn't tell him I believe sinners get a good talking to when they get to heaven.

Guy on the bus angrily asked me out of nowhere if I celebrate Christmas. Quicker and louder I yelled back at him, “I don’t worship Santa!”

Felt good.

MIL is rudely presumptive and has only herself to blame for any hurt feelings.

I have a large family from yellow dog Democrats to QANON crazies. Only once did an aunt make drama (about religion) and half of the relatives felt bed. She died. The rule in the family is ignore and just keep your mouth shut.

My response to that question is "I don't." Either they back off or they regret asking why not. A simple negative tends to discourage all but the most conspicuously pious, and those generally have me checking that they haven't picked my pockets or lifted my purse and I head for the nearest exit.

No one ever asks me whether I believe in God or brings up religion. I've gone 50 years without ever being in a situation where I discussed being an atheist to anyone outside my own very small circle of like-minded friends.

If we start answering truthfully, maybe they’ll start thinking before asking.

My answer? A perfectly curt “None” with a look that lets them know they’ll be happier if that is the end of the discussion.