Meeting women?

[Abbott]

Anyone experience this problem? I can't be the only one.

I don't know if this is just me, but it seems as if cute young women are very rare, and I live in a mid-size community with about 100,000 people during the school year, and 80,000 during the summer (I live in a dual-college town and I'm a local citizen who attends one of the local universities).

In class you obviously don't talk, so even if I see a pretty woman there it doesn't matter. After class is no good either because by the time I gather up everything almost everyone has already left.

I don't have a job though even if I did I don't think it'd be very professional to have a relationship with a coworker. I'll probably start working this August, but where I'll be working the typical demographic will probably be middle-aged to older.

When I run errands with also perplexes me. I do the typical things, going to the grocery store (I have to eat!) or the drugstore. I go to the post office to check my P.O. Box, or I may have other errands to run so I do them. But the really weird thing is that I tend to see middle-aged and older people a lot, but rarely any young people at all (I'm typically the only one around). But these young people must eat too! Surely they must go to the grocery store!

I also live in a very small apartment complex (house converted into four units) and I'm the only undergraduate there, so meeting my neighbors doesn't work either. And my next place which I'll move to will also probably be near to people quite a bit older than I am (at least 27+, probably older).

Since I'm a college student I've thought of joining a fraternity which doesn't require me to live in their house (too crowded plus not enough room for me AND my stuff), but since I tried it once before and got rejected I can't count on it as a possibility.

Any ideas people? I'm not 21 so no bars.

I do go to the local county Democrats' meeting, but people there are mostly older. And I suspect the same if I attend other city meetings too.

Ben

P.S. Whoever said college life is fun is full of it. It's just like high school, except no stupid rules, no cliques, and they give you more respect. Other than that, you just go to class and then you go home.

 

[elvis aint dead yet]

I dont know where you go to college, but where I went and other colleges where some of my friends went, you didnt even have to open your mouth and you could get laid.

But some of my friends did attend smaller colleges and I guess it can get rough. Especially if your in a medium sized to smaller town where most people want to get out, instead of come to, that town.

All I can say is, try to hurry up and hang around campus more often. I"m sure you'll find plenty of females walking around or doing something at college.

It's college, I mean, I and most people I know never met more females or people in general, then those they met in college.

You're surrounded by people with similiar interests. Maybe you share different theories, activities and majors, but most people are there to put in four years and graduate.

Not saying your doing anything wrong, but if your having trouble meeting girls or new friends while in college, your going to be in for a long long life. Thats the best place to meet people.

Hang around more often and speak up. Talk to anybody you see on campus.

And why does it take you longer then everybody else to leave class?

 

[duke007]

I agree.

I live in a pretty big city but on some days the HBs are nowhere to be found. Particularly on Fridays for some reason.

For example, I went to a shopping centre at around lunchtime to get a few things and it was only mothers and older people. I went from there to Uni and the place was barren.

I come to the conclusion that all the HBs sit at home on Fridays. Either that or they're driving. Next time just sit and watch the traffic - whenever I do this I see stacks of them. It's as if they drive from one place to the next and then back home again, always in a mad rush.

Have you ever seen an HB that walks slowly and calmly (like us DJs should do)? Unusual for me.

Whenever I go to the shopping centre on weekends I see mostly schoolgirls, families and old people. Strange

I think you need to make more of an effort on campus. Get to classes on time and sit next to the HBs, or chat with them while waiting outside the classroom. If you can't do that, sit near the exit so that at the end of the class you'll get a chance to open a convo as you're leaving.

The waiting area outside the library is good at my campus. As well as the girl's already there, you may spot an HB exiting the library and time it so you end up walking alongside her. Just be inventive.

 

[backbreaker]

Where i am from I see alot of insecure woman, even the hot ones. They walk like they are in a damn walkathon.

 

[elvis aint dead yet]

when i was younger,around 14-18, i saw tons of hot women around the ages of 20-25, and i also so many hot young chics the same age as I.

When I went off to college, like i said, all you had to do was blink and you'd get laid. ANd my college wasn't even that huge. A friend of mine, his college had about 40,000 people. Around 20,000 women. So when I visited him, it was a bonanaza of hot chics all the time who either, HATED COLLEGE LIFE and you could get with them by not being too much of an a-hole or girls who were party animals. Either way, it wasn't that hard.

I had friends who attended smaller schools and it was once again, too many chics to count.

In my early twenties, there were plenty of college aged girls and bar girls. There were also some cool girls I dated. While it was harder to meet girls then when in college, there were still many girls to be met.

Mid-late twenties, things began to change it seems. Maybe i was getting older, maybe I wasn't. Maybe i moved away from the big city life, maybe it wasn't that.

I can agree, i saw a drastact change from when i was the bar hopper and in my late twenties. The bars just were not as packed. Meaning there were not as many women. Maybe the bars i frequented in my early twenties weren't the hot spots anymore.

Who knows. But i did notice that i wasn't the only one noticing this.

I remember one time, while visiting a medium sized city in Virginia on business, I met this girl who worked at a bar. Her dad owned the bar, so that was why she worked there late on a saturday night. A friend of mine knew her and like I said, we were just there on a business trip, anyway, we asked her whats going on and she was like, oh she's going home to bed. It was like 11pm.

Low and behold most of the bars we visited that night, were relatively dead.

But that was years ago. Now, when i got out to a bar or club, like once a month, if that, I dont care anymore, but it seems, where i live now, most of the places are empty.

There are hot spots with many many hot women, but unless your willing to spend around 20-40 bucks cover charge to get in and 10-20 bucks per drink, it's just not the same.

Maybe I am getting older, but it seems there are many younger people complaining about the same thing these days.

I honestly think people have become more anti-social. I mean there are new dating websites every other day put out and they seem to be making money.

I think society has given up he ability to work hard and consistently are looking for an easy out. Online dating is an easy out. You dont have to face rejection, you dont have to talk, really, and on and on.

Look at text-messaging on phones. People use that more then they talk on them now.

All i'm saying is, it seems society as a whole, as become anti-social. Or maybe i'm just getting old.

But back to you,
Your in college, I'd say it should never be easier then when your in college. You'll meet more people that share some of the same things then you ever will later in life.

Later in life, you start a career and most of the time, your working with people older then you who have grandchildren or young children.

 

[Abbott]

I realize that some of the replies may sound like excuses, but I don't want them to seem that way. I did try to give intelligent replies, though in the past I used to make excuses a lot. I'm much much better now than what I used to be like when I was little, but I'm not perfect.

Elvis (-post one-):

I dont know where you go to college, but where I went and other colleges where some of my friends went, you didnt even have to open your mouth and you could get laid.

I go to Illinois State U.(ISU), which seems to have a bit of a party culture, or so I thought! I know that there's about 20,000 students (18K undergrads and 2K grads). There's also Illinois Wesleyan (IWU) nearby with about 2K, but that doesn't really add much.

But some of my friends did attend smaller colleges and I guess it can get rough. Especially if your in a medium sized to smaller town where most people want to get out, instead of come to, that town.

Hm...OK I can see that, but is 20,000 students really a "small" school? That's 18K undergrads and 2K grads, BTW. Also since I've lived here my whole life no one knows this better: It's a conservative strongly anti-party and anti-fun town. At least there's enough students here that it's impossible for the town to completely squash the partying, but if the town could they would.

All I can say is, try to hurry up and hang around campus more often. I"m sure you'll find plenty of females walking around or doing something at college.

Yes I probably should...hopefully there's something that I like, though honestly so far I haven't seen anything. It's true that generally I tend not to be around campus unless I actually have a class (parking is tight, so...). Ah well...more likely than not I should be able to get a good permit so that shouldn't be a problem anymore.

It's college, I mean, I and most people I know never met more females or people in general, then those they met in college.

Yeah...I've heard that a lot from many older people I've talked to. This doesn't seem to hold true for me though right now. I'm nearly done with the year and I only have one new friend who I don't even really hang out with much at all. Not to say that I don't have friends, but most of them I knew before ISU.

You're surrounded by people with similiar interests. Maybe you share different theories, activities and majors, but most people are there to put in four years and graduate.

Oh so? I've yet to meet another Atheist at my school. I will admit that my ideas and views are a little more radical to the left than most left-wingers, but I don't think I'm that radical.

Not saying your doing anything wrong, but if your having trouble meeting girls or new friends while in college, your going to be in for a long long life. Thats the best place to meet people.

Hang around more often and speak up. Talk to anybody you see on campus.

Oh dear...I sure hope you're wrong, but I think you're right. I think I'm outgoing, but maybe I'm not really? At least being alone doesn't really bother me, but it would be nice if I always had a choice in the matter. I know many people can't understand how I live alone, but I can't imagine it any other way so I must have a much better tolerance of it than most people, and for that I consider myself fortunate.

And why does it take you longer then everybody else to leave class?

I don't know. It seems that all I have to do is put on my coat and hat and almost everyone has already left the room. I notice that I never seem to hurry while almost everyone else does. A few times I've made the earnest effort to leave when everyone else does, and every time I always felt extremely rushed so I decided I won't hurry but won't dawdle either.

Someone who's in a hurry doesn't have strong control over his time, and hence limited control (read: non-DJ like). Therefore I avoid being in a hurry whenever possible. Even when I'm late for class I won't hurry.

Elvis (-post two-):

When I went off to college, like i said, all you had to do was blink and you'd get laid. ANd my college wasn't even that huge. A friend of mine, his college had about 40,000 people. Around 20,000 women. So when I visited him, it was a bonanaza of hot chics all the time who either, HATED COLLEGE LIFE and you could get with them by not being too much of an a-hole or girls who were party animals. Either way, it wasn't that hard.

Man...what happened to society? At my school women mainly ignore me if I don't say anything. Occasionally I'll run into one that'll say "hello" or "good morning" to me and then ignore me, but that's it. And have sex? Right.... I'd have a better chance winning the lottery.

I honestly think people have become more anti-social. I mean there are new dating websites every other day put out and they seem to be making money.

I wish I could disagree, but I agree with you. There's a book titled "Bowling Alone" that covers this sort of thing. I don't know how good of a book it is, since I've only skimmed a little of it and not read it yet. My father has read it though and told me that some things he learned is that the more TV people watch, the less social they are and the more aggressive drivers they are. Personally, I belong to a very very small (and getting smaller!) group of people who both grew up without broadcast/cable TV and still doesn't have it (I don't subscribe), and I know that I try to be very social though it seems that a lot of people don't want to be social, and that as a driver I'm not aggressive at all (like most elderly people, only not as slow).

There are hot spots with many many hot women, but unless your willing to spend around 20-40 bucks cover charge to get in and 10-20 bucks per drink, it's just not the same.

Really? Scratch that! I'm not dirt poor but the last thing I need is women thinking that I'm a gold mine still full of gold to be mined.

Look at text-messaging on phones. People use that more then they talk on them now.

Really? I don't know a single person who regularly uses them, and personally I refuse to use them. I'm even considering to not use E-mail anymore, since I hate impersonal contact like that. I like talking face-to-face, or at least hear a voice.

Duke007:

I come to the conclusion that all the HBs sit at home on Fridays. Either that or they're driving. Next time just sit and watch the traffic - whenever I do this I see stacks of them. It's as if they drive from one place to the next and then back home again, always in a mad rush.

I've made a similar conclusion. Instead of just Friday, I think they must just hide most of the time.

Have you ever seen an HB that walks slowly and calmly (like us DJs should do)? Unusual for me.

Perhaps they aren't confident of themselves when someone hits on them? If so that makes things easier for me, though I'd wonder if I'd really want such a woman (with no confidence in herself).

Whenever I go to the shopping centre on weekends I see mostly schoolgirls, families and old people. Strange

I think you need to make more of an effort on campus. Get to classes on time and sit next to the HBs, or chat with them while waiting outside the classroom. If you can't do that, sit near the exit so that at the end of the class you'll get a chance to open a convo as you're leaving.

OK...I'll try this summer (I have a summer class). It's awful hard for early morning classes, but I'll manage somehow...maybe.

The waiting area outside the library is good at my campus. As well as the girl's already there, you may spot an HB exiting the library and time it so you end up walking alongside her. Just be inventive.

Err...OK. Sounds like it might work but wouldn't that be creepy? If some stranger (male or female) started walking alongside me trying to talk to me, I'd probably be a little creeped out. Remember: Women have more to fear than we do, usually. We're usually stronger, tougher, and more aggressive than they are.

Backbreaker:

Where i am from I see alot of insecure woman, even the hot ones. They walk like they are in a damn walkathon.


Haha...it does seem like that doesn't it?

GigaloDJ:

Originally posted by Abbott:
I do go to the local county Democrats' meeting, but people there are mostly older. And I suspect the same if I attend other city meetings too.

Uhhhhhhhhh good luck finding hot bytches there...

I know. It seems that young people seem to care less and less about politics and the world around them. It's a damn shame. I go to the meeting because I believe in their cause. If I went there for the women I'd have stopped going long time ago.

Until later,

Ben

 

[khanboy]

Some things that have continued to work for me when meeting girls at university. Mine's a little larger with around 25K enrolled.

1) Show up to class early and plant yourself next to a HB and start chatting.
2) Chat up chicks in the hallways. I find it a little difficult in between classes as everyone is rushing around and whatever, but during class (when I don't have one) is a great opportunity to talk to chicks in the hallways, study areas, etc.
3) Stick around after that last class. No need to rush home, or to the grocery store. Talk to some girls on your way out, who knows, maybe one will be up for hangin out, you dig me?

That's all I got for Uni, can't really help with outside campus since your town sounds rather small compared to mine at just under a mill. Although one thing that may help is that I have had days where I've gone out to a mall or whatever and noticed hardly any HBs. Just they way it goes man, there will be times when they are out, and times where they aren't.

Also, I know it sounds kinda far fetched, but I swear people are growing anti-social and preferring to stay inside. My town is fairly large and people around my age seem to always want to go home, know what I mean?

It's like "So, what you up to? Going home eh?" There's even a website forum for our town most young people know about. It's ****ing full on Friday and Saturday evenings, what does that tell ya? I'm starting to think this online **** might have some merit, or atleast a bigger city where this anti-social phenomenon is negligable when taken into consideration of the whole.

Anyway, this whole anti-social phenomenon and online stuff is all just one big excuse. Just keep going out and stop being inside so much yourself and you'll find where the women are at, just keep searching all places that are open to the public man, heh.

They're out there somewhere, at some time or another,
khanboy

 

[duke007]

Err...OK. Sounds like it might work but wouldn't that be creepy? If some stranger (male or female) started walking alongside me trying to talk to me, I'd probably be a little creeped out. Remember: Women have more to fear than we do, usually. We're usually stronger, tougher, and more aggressive than they are.

Nah man, I know it does sound a little creepy but you gotta make it natural, as if you're a spy. If you're obscure the girl probably won't even notice.

for instance, casually spot them a fair distance away inside the library walking toward the exit. Stand up, act as if you are packing and zipping up your bag. Then begin walking away in her path roughly 5 metres ahead. (Spies do this when tracking people.) You will be walking slowly and casually and she will be in a mad hurry (as we talked about) and catch up to you.

If she thinks you're up to something by acting discreet like this she must have paranoia problems, and then you don't want her anyway.

 

[ArmondTamzarian]

Okay, so I never really did the whole university experience. I would go to class then straight to work. So I can relate to your problem. However, I am going back to school. You don't mention anything about school sponsored clubs or activities. Especially coming up this fall where a lot of transplants will be tring to meet new people. There is also a site meetup.com that is a forum for planning in person social events. Try it, otherwise get out of the routine you are in. You can't find new people at the same old places. Have you tried volunteer work? At the mall, shopping, find a woman you like and ask her oppinion on a piece of clothing. Instant compliment, without complimenting her. Do you have any pool halls? What about the cafeteria? Long story short, change locations.

 

[Ol'BlueEyes]

this quote got me thinking

But some of my friends did attend smaller colleges and I guess it can get rough. Especially if your in a medium sized to smaller town where most people want to get out, instead of come to, that town.

That's a perfect description of where I live. The population is under 30,000 and shrinking, unemployment is high, and a lot of people are generally unhappy.
I go to school at the local community college, at night. It's NOT a chick haven. Most women there are on the plus side of 40.
The only places that are alive are the mall (full of teenyboppers) and, on the weekends, two or three bars/clubs. The hottest chicks I know are either married or in serious relationships.
Feh....Ive been in a bit of an AFC relapse lately, but I can't help but think that it's MUCH easier to DJ in big cities.

 

[JSH]

abbott - i know your problem.

Your a socialist, i mean lefties come on, take life a bit more seriously and become Cosnrvative or at least Repulican.

 

[Ol'BlueEyes]

Off topic

LOL at JSH.
It's off topic but, ever notice how Fox News has the hottest Republican info babes?
Michelle Malkin and Heather Nauert ...*drool*.

 

[Crank_It_Up]

Originally posted by Abbott

Err...OK. Sounds like it might work but wouldn't that be creepy? If some stranger (male or female) started walking alongside me trying to talk to me, I'd probably be a little creeped out. Remember: Women have more to fear than we do, usually. We're usually stronger, tougher, and more aggressive than they are.

yes that does sound creepy... the thought of a female, a complete stranger no less, actually walking next to you and talking is just too plain scary. What if she had cooties or something? What would mom say? Much better to run home alone, break out the video games, and have mom rustle up some cookies and warm milk. Good thing I've still got my secret power ranger invisible dual protection force field activator with me.

 

[Abbott]

JSH:

Is that sarcastic? I sure hope so.

Ol' Blue Eyes:

Is that so? I don't have broadcast/cable TV at home so I wouldn't know.

If that's true though then that's a damn shame.

Crank_It_Up:

Do I smell sarcasm? You reek of it. Anyway I think you missed the point of what I was trying to say there.

First of all, I wouldn't be afraid though I would think that she's a little strange. After all women just don't do that. I'd only be afraid if she wasn't my type and others around me get the wrong impressions.

Also you need to consider that women often do have more to fear than we do, unless she's a 7' foot tall really strong bulldyke anti-man type. Even someone like me, who's not very big, is still strong enough to overpower many women.

Just for the record...I live alone, by myself, without Mom. I don't really listen to her anyway. If I did I'd be attending Christian church sermons on Sunday morning instead of being an Atheist who sleeps in on the "day of rest."

Ben

 

[Crank_It_Up]

Originally posted by Abbott
Crank_It_Up:

Do I smell sarcasm? You reek of it. Anyway I think you missed the point of what I was trying to say there.

First of all, I wouldn't be afraid though I would think that she's a little strange. After all women just don't do that. I'd only be afraid if she wasn't my type and others around me get the wrong impressions.

Also you need to consider that women often do have more to fear than we do, unless she's a 7' foot tall really strong bulldyke anti-man type. Even someone like me, who's not very big, is still strong enough to overpower many women.

Just for the record...I live alone, by myself, without Mom. I don't really listen to her anyway. If I did I'd be attending Christian church sermons on Sunday morning instead of being an Atheist who sleeps in on the "day of rest."

Ben

Ben you are one bad mofo, not "attending Christian church sermons on Sunday morning cause you're an atheist who sleeps in on the day of rest". What was I thinking?

On a more serious note, the only thing holding you back from meeting women is you. Where there is a will, there is a way. You state that after class is no good cause by the time you collect your things almost everbody has left. When in fact if you were really interested, you would gather up your stuff ahead of time so you'd be ready. Fear of rejection is natural for everyone, however the alternative of not meeting anyone is much worse. So, go for it.

 

[Genghis Juan]

I think the OP (Original Poster) needs to read the DJ Bible.

The whole point about being a DJ is not being afraid to approach girls, to get rejected and to keep thinking silly thoughts before the approach. I DJ should be striking up conversations with everyone allover the place, regardless of the gender, then when you approach a girl, it will feel natural.

 

[elvis aint dead yet]

It's all about going out there and doing it. Maybe you dont meet too many hot chics or young women. That doesn't matter. You still need to go out there and talk to whomever you meet, whether you like them or not. It seems you need to get some experience in socializing.

You keep yelling your an athiest on a board where nobody really gives a damn about what religion you are or what you practice.

I sense that could be a major issue in the real world.

If you keep pushing your beliefs, in a subtle way, on some internet message board, i could just imagine what you do in public and the real world.

I don't like people who preach jewish, catholic, muslim, or whatever religions on me, and I sure dont like somebody who is an athiest to keep telling me he's an athiest. I dont care.

And I'm sure most people dont care.

Unless you live in a really small overly religious town, I dont foresee how being an athiest is a problem. Unless of course you keep throwing it out there to everybody over and over again.

Maybe thats why you can't meet people. You forcefeed them your beliefs. Nobody really cares.

Talk about something else. School, life, sports, movies, tv, college, girls, guys, whatever. Just get over the fact that your an athiest.

While you haven't preached your beliefs, everytime you have the chance you mention it like your some kind of hero for believing what you believe and other people aren't.

AKA.....the comment about your mom. I sense there is some deep rooted anger towards your family. Maybe your going through the rebellious stage or something, who knows.

Whatever it is, stop caring what other people practice. Stop caring what you practice. Start socializing with everybody and stop telling everybody what you believe if they don't ask nor care to ask.,

and I have to comment on BLUE EYES statement that,

"Ive been in a bit of an AFC relapse lately, but I can't help but think that it's MUCH easier to DJ in big cities."


Obviously if your already a DJ, you can be a DJ anywhere. But for most people, its an ongoing improving process. Therefore being in a big city means more opportunities for meeting people. More opportunities for socialzing with women and men. More opportunities to get rejected and accepted. It is plain and simple.

If you live in a place where there are millions of people, its a lot easier to improve upon oneself or a lot easier to meet new people everyday.

You can't do that in a small town where there is less then 30,000 people. Yes you can chat away. But after a week, you already know everybody in that town.

No matter what, you have to get out and do it. But you'd be lying if you said its not easier to improve in a place where you can meet new people everyday and practice what you've learned and hope to learn.

YOu can't do that in a small town where you see and know the same people everyday. Especially if your just looking for some practice.

 

[Abbott]

Originally posted by elvis aint dead yet
It's all about going out there and doing it. Maybe you dont meet too many hot chics or young women. That doesn't matter. You still need to go out there and talk to whomever you meet, whether you like them or not. It seems you need to get some experience in socializing.

You keep yelling your an athiest on a board where nobody really gives a damn about what religion you are or what you practice.

I sense that could be a major issue in the real world.

If you keep pushing your beliefs, in a subtle way, on some internet message board, i could just imagine what you do in public and the real world.

I don't like people who preach jewish, catholic, muslim, or whatever religions on me, and I sure dont like somebody who is an athiest to keep telling me he's an athiest. I dont care.

And I'm sure most people dont care.

Unless you live in a really small overly religious town, I dont foresee how being an athiest is a problem. Unless of course you keep throwing it out there to everybody over and over again.

Maybe thats why you can't meet people. You forcefeed them your beliefs. Nobody really cares.

Talk about something else. School, life, sports, movies, tv, college, girls, guys, whatever. Just get over the fact that your an athiest.

While you haven't preached your beliefs, everytime you have the chance you mention it like your some kind of hero for believing what you believe and other people aren't.

AKA.....the comment about your mom. I sense there is some deep rooted anger towards your family. Maybe your going through the rebellious stage or something, who knows.

Whatever it is, stop caring what other people practice. Stop caring what you practice. Start socializing with everybody and stop telling everybody what you believe if they don't ask nor care to ask.,

and I have to comment on BLUE EYES statement that,

"Ive been in a bit of an AFC relapse lately, but I can't help but think that it's MUCH easier to DJ in big cities."


Obviously if your already a DJ, you can be a DJ anywhere. But for most people, its an ongoing improving process. Therefore being in a big city means more opportunities for meeting people. More opportunities for socialzing with women and men. More opportunities to get rejected and accepted. It is plain and simple.

If you live in a place where there are millions of people, its a lot easier to improve upon oneself or a lot easier to meet new people everyday.

You can't do that in a small town where there is less then 30,000 people. Yes you can chat away. But after a week, you already know everybody in that town.

No matter what, you have to get out and do it. But you'd be lying if you said its not easier to improve in a place where you can meet new people everyday and practice what you've learned and hope to learn.

YOu can't do that in a small town where you see and know the same people everyday. Especially if your just looking for some practice.

I see some people took things the wrong way when I tried to clarify what I meant when Crank_It_Up's comment of being afraid obviously showed to me he missed the point.

I used a bad example when I mentioned my Atheism and my mother being a Christian. I didn't really think that it'd be so touchy a subject, so I used it as an example thinking it wouldn't be a big deal.

You did seem to blow it out of proportion, so I'll have to set some more things straight. Thinking it's not a big deal, I used it as an example. You took it to mean that I tell anyone and everyone I see that I'm an Atheist and that anyone who doesn't agree with me has to be wrong. That is absolutely wrong. I don't tell everyone I see that I'm an Atheist, and I don't tell everyone who doesn't agree with me that they are wrong. On the contrary, there have been multiple occasions upon which people have known me for significant periods of time yet had no idea that I was an Atheist or anything else.

If someone asks me, I will answer. But I don't make a point of telling everyone I see.

As far as my mother/family is concerned, you are again incorrect. I actually get along very well with my parents. I will probably love them forever. I'd talk about my siblings, except I have none so no need to address that. Other family members don't really count because they all live to far away (nearest ones live in AZ and I'm in IL).

Ben

P.S. Just like you, I hate people who try to force their beliefs on me. At the risk of upsetting you again, as an Atheist I've encountered that on many occasions so I know exactly what you mean about that.