I certainly wouldn't think too highly of anyone regardless of their religious affiliation, that told me that if I didn't adhere to their beliefs that they wouldn't want to have anything to do with me. I would seek friendship elsewhere because honestly, he is not only trying to manipulate you but causing you to also feel bad about yourself and your own beliefs. That's not a true friend in the least.

It never ceases to amaze me how much damage well-meaning overly religious people can be. I agree that this is not a true friend and it's time to look elsewhere. You don't need to defend your beliefs or lack of beliefs to this person. Just be yourself and trust your own process and your own journey.

Jumping to conclusions. Until you talk with your friend to find out "what gives" -- this is only speculation. If your friend is a true friend, then they will tell you if something bothered them. But I think you said it best when your friend implied that they would try to fit you into their busy schedule. Perhaps it is just that -- people can be very preoccupied and busy given this time of year. If you feel the friend is avoiding you, you can always confront them and ask them in a straightforward manner.

Hard to deal with the religious zealots. If this friend's son is that fanatical, then perhaps he wears on his Dad via every conversation. Could be that this "friend" has to choose between you and his religiously fanatical son. I would think that this is not the case and people can create their own boundaries.

Check it out. Ask him. "Is everything okay? I haven't heard from you?" and see where that takes you.

Holidays are a busy time for many people. Try not to jump to conclusions on this one. And remember, if they feel awkward, that's their issue. (I hear ya on feeling ignored; that's painful when we get "shut out." But don't beat yourself up for asserting your opinion. We're all adults out here, supposedly. It's okay to share your perspective.)

((Hugs))

Your faith is your business, and their faitih is theirs. Why is that so hard for some? Yes, I know that some believers are pretty serious about that "great comission" thing, and they think they have to "save souls" by shoving their brand of belief down others' throats.

I think maybe it could be time to trade up to a more loving brand of friends. Like the ones you meet in here. They are out there in real life, too. I have found many of them myself. No brag, just fact.

I agree that maybe you should talk to your friend. Just him. Leave the son out of it. Maybe you can get him to be straight with you.

Huggz.

Orion, have you heard from your friend yet? Maybe he's busy right now because people tend to run here and there at this time of year. I know that my depression can sometimes make me think a friend has a problem with me, when the only problem is that they're busy! So I've had to step back now and then, and try to think a situation through...I try not to see an action by someone and then assign a motive to it. In other words, I can't read someone's mind...even tho I can convince myself that this is possible!!! ;o)

You might wait a few days then contact your friend, alone without his son present, and ask again if he wants to see a movie. I wouldn't make a big deal out of him not responding to your text the other day. You could ask him about it, but don't get all wrapped up in it. There could be all sorts of reasons he didn't text back.

As for listening to his son talk about his religious beliefs, just try to tune out from any unusual ideas. That's what I do. I listen somewhat to see if a person comes up with something informative that I can use in my own life. If I find out what they're saying isn't something I can relate to, I just give non committal responses. I don't have to get involved in the conversation.

It took me a long time to learn that I don't HAVE to get involved in all conversations (and I still struggle with that a little). I try to let the words run off my back, like water off a duck's back! It does help me to visualize the words running off me, like water.

As for feeling like crap and like nobody cares and feeling really alone...I think a lot of us depressives can most definitely relate. Those feelings just go hand in hand with a lot of our depression. Realize that you are a fine person. You have good things to offer others.