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Why not attempt to enjoy yourself and engage in some polite conversation with the others? You don't know for sure that the "religion" thing will come up during conversation, and if it does, who cares? America today is becoming so polarized with so many people demonizing/refusing to speak with the other side. How about you spend some time with these people, celebrate your differences, find some common ground, and treat each other civilly. There is something special and sacred about breaking bread together with others; it has a way of breaking down barriers. Furthermore, the others will respect you more for choosing to be with them, regardless of differences, rather than slink away for the day. Plus, it's a wonderful gesture because you're getting such a good deal on rent.
Go! And when/if religion or your family come up for discussion, politely let them know you would rather not discuss those two topics. They may take offense, but hopefully not as much as your declining the Thanksgiving invitation....retroactively at that!
Thanksgiving aside, why in the world would you choose to live with a family that has beliefs that you so vigorously disagree with that you blog about it? That in itself is quite dysfunctional.
For your own mental health, you really should find another place to live.
I would guess that the OP didn't find out that her new landlord had those beliefs until after she had moved in. You're not really supposed to ask potential tenants about their religion.
Well you said yes to the evil religious people and it's rude to change your mind now with such a small group.
I never agree to get stuck with strangers but you did so....
Maybe it'd be helpful to learn how to eat a meal without discussing subjects you don't want to discuss.
Just don't discuss them. If they start saying crazy crap just eat. Then say you have to go - Offer to help and do dishes, smile, say thanks and go home.
How sad that you have to play games because of religious beliefs I say go and enjoy the meal and change the subject if religion is brought up. Life is too short to live in a land of what if's and plan your life around that. Live in the land of what is. You may find that the meal went quite well and you got to enjoy some good eats. If it's not going well, eat fast, take your plate to the sink, thank them for a lovely meal, and go to your room. You said you would attend their meal and so you should.
Go! And when/if religion or your family come up for discussion, politely let them know you would rather not discuss those two topics.
Vague answers should suffice.
"My family lives in Timbuktu," is really all you need to say about that.
If they get specific, just say, "Would someone please pass the green bean casserole?" or "These mashed potatoes are out of this world."
If they are persistent, explain that you make it a practice not to discuss family matters, religion or politics in social settings. Perhaps hint that there has been some unpleasantness associated with one or more of these topics in the past.
Be prepared with topics to discuss -- new movies (Hunger Games?), good books, area restaurants, craft projects.
It's unfortunate that this is not a gathering of men. You would have no worries as you could spend the entire day talking about football.
Why do you have to purge your soul? It's just a dinner , then you can help clean up and leave. You are not required to be put on the spot and talk about something you would rather not. Nobody is going to make you talk about something when you say," I'd rather not talk about it."
I would guess that the OP didn't find out that her new landlord had those beliefs until after she had moved in. You're not really supposed to ask potential tenants about their religion.
Doubtful, this wasn't a job interview. This is a rental in a private home, people can say/ask what they want.
When you move into someone's home many things are discussed by
both parties. It sounds like the OP was more focused on the low rent than anything else.
If this woman and her daughters are so into their beliefs you can bet at some point during the initial meeting this woman brought up her religion. She may not have asked the OP his/her beliefs but she brought up hers. That is when the OP should have said "thank you, I want to think about the room", and passed on moving in there.
The OP knowing this and being a former member of this religion in addition to writing a derogatory blog about this religion still let the low rent override common sense.
I certainly wouldn't be comfortable living under their roof, using their Wi Fi to bash their beliefs on my blog. What happens if/when they find out?
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I say go and enjoy the meal and change the subject if religion is brought up. Life is too short to live in a land of what if's and plan your life around that. Live in the land of what is. You may find that the meal went quite well and you got to enjoy some good eats. If it's not going well, eat fast, take your plate to the sink, thank them for a lovely meal, and go to your room. You said you would attend their meal and so you should.
