Three families have invited me over. In the past I have been to each of their houses on a religious holiday and they all at one point tried to convert me. I was nice about it, but now I feel like they are just going to do it again. How do I avoid them and still be friends. I don't want to be in that awkward situation. Why are they always trying to convert me?
Anonymous
Favorite Answer
When I first read your question I was going to say why not just go and enjoy a day with freinds and a good meal however then I read the part about trying to convert you.
I think you should tell them you value them as freinds and would enjoy spending the holiday with them however in the past you felt like they were trying to convert you. Tell them you respect their religoin and beliefs but you have your own and when they try to convert you you feel as though they are not respecting your beliefs If they can respect taht you would love to attend dinner.
Anonymous
I do not see what the problem of you going is. I am a christian but I am from Ethiopia, where Muslims and Christians live in harmony. We all have both Muslim and Christian holidays. As a matter of fact our family friend who is a Muslim from Saudi always brought us very nice cake for all the christian and muslim holidays. What I am saying is that you should respect the invitation and go. These people must like you to have invited you over for their Holy day. If things start turning to a point where you are not comfortable then tell them you have to go and leave. But you could end up having fun and making good friends. You can also change the mindset average American's have about Muslim people these days!
Ink666
Just don't go. You don't have to explain yourself. Just nicely explain that you have your own plans for the holidays! They will understand if they are true friends.
I'm an atheist and I HATE any religious people preaching at me! People have tried to convert me too so I face this dilemma a lot around the holidays too. I end up going to Christmas parties and things like that anyway but I usually just live and let live and grin and bear it if someone starts preaching.
As a rule I DON'T PREACH MY BELIEFS TO THEM EITHER AND I POLITELY WALK AWAY IF SOMEONE DOES IT TO ME! It just makes everything more pleasent. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
snape4good
Are you sure they are trying to convert you? Could they be just educating you and including you? It's never wrong to learn about other religions. You don't have to convert to be educated and respectful. If you don't want to go, don't. Just tell them you won't be observing Christmas this year and tell them to have a happy holiday.
funny honey
well it might be the 9/11 thing which is bull crap because ignorant people think all Muslims are part of it or they just strongly believe in there religion and the dinner thing say your family comes first or you already made plans or say you will go and don't and your excuse will be you had a family emergency but its mainly up to you happy holidays