My friend said I should convert to her religion. I feel disrespected, what should I do?

[lachimolalalala]

Just a disclaimer: I understand that religion can be a controversial topic. Also, for my entire life I’ve never seen a specific religion as being right or wrong. I personally respect all religions and beliefs. Also, while I do practice my religion, I do consider myself as a more spiritual person. I’m not mentioning the religions as I don’t wish to unintentionally make anyone feel hurt or have biased views. I hope you can understand.

Ok, so my friend has been recently practicing a religion after being a non believer of God, I’m happy for her that she’s found God and is finding happiness too. That being said, on a daily basis she basically calls me to preach. Every conversation is her almost bashing what I’ve believed since birth, and telling me that “my God” isn’t what’s right. She told me that I should convert to her religion and that’s the only way of life I should practice. She also said what I believe in is “crap”. I told her that I don’t mind her talking about her beliefs but I feel quite disrespected. She said she’s sorry but her tone said otherwise. Now she’s being unusually nice to me and is still bashing my religion at the same time lolll. She’s not a bad person at all, and I don’t want to end a friendship. But I really do feel disrespected and hurt. I’ve told her my feelings before and she ignored it. What should I do now?

[melanieeeB]

I wanted to say talk to her but you already did... I'm sorry but seems like this friendship might end
I would maybe try to talk to her again and ask her to not ignore your feelings and that you wish she would just accept your decision, like you accept her decision.
You two can still be friends, without believing the same thing, but oonly if there is acceptance on both sides... if she still insist tho please stay true to yourself and let her go

[lachimolalalala]

Thank you for the response 😊
It’s my fault right from the beginning of this “friendship”. To begin with she’s super judgmental and I found it hard to be myself around her. I made the decision to be her free therapist a couple years ago since she does most of the talking. Apart from this religion situation, she can be quite controlling otherwise. I want to the end this friendship or at least lessen communication but it’s been really difficult doing so. I feel a sense of guilt as if I’m abandoning someone who need to vent. I don't know if that makes sense.

[melanieeeB]

Ohhhhhhhhhh yeah that makes a lot of sense!!! As a past people pleaser I feel that haha
But it's important to set boundaries! You're definitely better off without her and she will find someone new to vent to and even if she doesn't, it's not your problem! You need a good friend and not this "getting used" type of "relationship" ...

[Noahzaid]

There is a fine line between preaching and giving awareness.

I’m religious, I believe that preaching should be only given by a scholar.

But, as a person who hasn’t dedicated his life for this and I’m not a scholar by any means then I shouldn’t be preaching because most likely I would give false information.

As a follower, All I can do is give awareness and then the person who is curious enough would take his own path and search for more information on in the religion.

[jshm2]

Firstly she isn't really your friend, just a person you're associating with.

Secondly, she's happy to talk to you, but you're not doing a good job directing the conversation and letting her do it all the time.

Of course she's going to talk about what interests her. Don't be such a weak willed gimp to feel "disrespected" when you're as responsible for the hole you're in.

[lachimolalalala]

Thank you for the response.

Yes you’re right, i know I’m responsible. But one thing is that this friend used to have crippling depression, it was always difficult to be honest to her face cause i didn’t want to add to her condition. Also, I used to add to the conversation but now gave up lol. Reason being, she always cuts me off mid sentence. She literally yaps about herself. I’ve always been in a dilemma when it came to “confronting”. What would you advise I tell her?

[Anonymous]

Well you can’t do anything more than ask her to stop and you’ve told her how you feel multiple times already but she doesn’t give a shit, has zero respect for you and will obviously not stop. So now it’s up to you to continue your relationship with her or not. It comes down to how much respect you have for yourself and how much shit your willing to take to keep this ”friend” in your life.

[lachimolalalala]

Thank you for the reply, I agree with you 100%!

I sometimes get the courage to stand up for myself, but most times when we speak she’s going through something and is having a panic attack or anxiety attack. It makes it difficult to say anything to her in that position.

Do you have any advice on how I can go about distancing myself? She calls me multiple times a day and I sometimes don’t talk her calls but that doesn’t seem to work lol 😂

[Anonymous]

👑 PRAY AND REPENT JESUS IS KING AND THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND 👑

[Anonymous]

What you should do is respect people's choices and decisions in life and not force your beliefs upon someone or shove your belief system down people's throats

[lachimolalalala]

Thanks for the response. I feel like copying and sending her your response to her. Simple and effective. I like it haha 😂

[lachimolalalala]

I think I’m way “too nice” to say anything. But I do really like your response. If not your words exactly, I will tell her something around those lines. Thank you.

[HaveNoName]

Regardless of what we say, sooner or later your friendship will end anyway.

[Dreamclouds]

choose friends differently not brainwashed puppets like this, life is harsh we move on

[lachimolalalala]

You’re right. And the truth is, I really want to end this friendship, and it’s for reasons other than this religion thing. It’s really been draining for me. But it’s hard to cut friendship off when she’s not mentally okay and she claims I’m her only friend.

[Dreamclouds]

Your heart is sure nice and pure

[Dinosaursandanime65]

Religions are fake. A golden cow won’t protect your from demons. God is real.

[panamared1]

Do what feels right for you