Hello from Lifelong Atheist

[free spirit]

Hi everyone. I discovered the word "atheist" at age 10, and had an epiphany that was bittersweet, because I knew immediately that's what I was. That was several decades ago, and amazingly, religion has never seemed to be the issue for me among friends that it is now.

I did become active in some atheist and freethought groups, only to find one of two things: either I had nothing else in common with them, or they were angry, bitter, and spent way too much time (imo) talking about how inferior believers are.
I just want to be able to do the things I love to do: rock climbing, mountain hiking, Scuba diving, etc......I don't want to sit around talking about my superiority while getting wasted. 

I also don't want to be around people who're so controlling that they get angry at me because I'm not exactly like them or haven't made the same lifestyle choices as them.
I've been to atheist gatherings where folks were genuinely disturbed by the fact that I don't eat like them, or because I've chosen not to be married (as I've never believed that my love for others needs to be recognized by a church or the government).

[Tank]

Hi FS

I think you'll just get to be/do just what you like here.

Thanks for making the effort to sign up and join in.

Welcome to HAF.

Regards
Chris

Notes for new members.
The Rules.

Users who comply with forum rules will graduate to full membership after 10 posts.
Till that time your ability to post is limited to the "Getting to Know You" section of the forum.
It is our hope that this small restriction improves the overall atmosphere of HAF.

Some threads you might find interesting.
Where did you get your username from?
10 Things About Yourself
Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Photography
Non-religious pet peeves
Pets...what do you have?
Favorite Song, with video
How to tell your family you are an atheist.*
"Rules for Conducting a Discussion" by Dr. Mortimer J. Adler*

*You will need 10 posts before you can add a post to this thread, but you can read it at any time.

[Buddy]

Welcome to the forum. 

[xSilverPhinx]

Welcome!

I like your username.

[Recusant]

Hello and welcome to HAF, free spirit. I can't say much about atheist/freethought groups (other than online), since I've never tried to get involved with them. I'm sorry to hear that you've had some less than ideal experiences with such groups. I don't think that you'll get much grief over how and what you eat here (skipping joke about atheist dietary proclivities), nor about your marital status. It isn't all sweetness and light, but we do make an effort to keep it civil.

I hope you enjoy your time reading and posting here.

[The Magic Pudding]

I've been to atheist gatherings where folks were genuinely disturbed by the fact that I don't eat like them, or because I've chosen not to be married (as I've never believed that my love for others needs to be recognized by a church or the government).

That sounds odd, I thought an acceptance of diversity was a commonly shared principle for those who bother take an interest in atheist issues.  You don't eat Brussels sprouts do you?  I fear such behaviour would cause me shun you.

Welcome

[Amicale]

Hey, a warm welcome to you, free spirit! I also like your username. It's good to meet you.

I totally understand your take on life -- you just want to live it, and enjoy it, without considering yourself superior to groups who believe things you don't. I think that's a great, balanced approach to take. I hope you enjoy HAF, and find that we're a community you're happy hanging around with!

[Jimmy]

Welcome my friend! I think you'll enjoy the rather casual atmosphere here. I'm here for VERY similar reasons, I don't like being around too much negativity and this site has very friendly people here

[OldGit]

Welcome, free spirit!  You've come to the right place!  Just so long as you don't eat peanut butter. 

[Anti-antidisestablishmentarianism]

Welcome! And yes you can be a positive atheists.  I laugh more than most Christians and it's general laughter not fake some some.  *Cough Baptists *Cough

[Sandra Craft]

I did become active in some atheist and freethought groups, only to find one of two things: either I had nothing else in common with them, or they were angry, bitter, and spent way too much time (imo) talking about how inferior believers are.
I just want to be able to do the things I love to do: rock climbing, mountain hiking, Scuba diving, etc......I don't want to sit around talking about my superiority while getting wasted. 

I had some similar experiences with other atheists that put me off -- I mean, you know something's wrong when people are complaining about being perceived as bitter, angry, etc and you totally understand where the perception is coming from.  Sometimes it seems odd to me that it's on-line rather than off that I've found more postive atheists.