Dallas for a single, atheist, and liberal female? (Houston, San Antonio: 2014, home)

[mm4]

Originally Posted by mm97

Exactly. I can't tell you how many times I had to pretend to attend church to not make waves at work. Fortunately, I work in technology now so I don't encounter openly religious people at work, nor do I encounter atheists. Perhaps people in my company just know not to get started on those topics. On the other hand, my Director did say that we needed to pray for a serious situation that threw a wrench into a major release, and I still respect him, but definitely do not look at his leadership in the same way anymore.

During a job application process I was once asked by a Dallas company (with only a few metro area outlets) what religion I was. Even though I'm religious I'd wanted to say hey you're not allowed to ask that.

But workplaces are never pretty; some moreso than others, as long as people staff companies. Have you considered maintaining stronger personal boundaries with your coworkers?

[mm97]

Originally Posted by octo

Agree. If someone asks about a conservative church in this forum, there's plenty of sincere recommendations and none of this "OMG why would you wear this on your sleeve" lecturing that happens right in this thread about the polar opposite.

If I was the OP, I would not worry too much, though. Yes, you'll alienate plenty of folks but that's a personal benefit, screening out incompatible people. I've met plenty of atheists or other non religious people here. There's so much ugly hypocrisy in religious circles that they reliably produce non believers. Give it time.

That's how I look at it also; screening out the incompatible ones. But I've aliented many, and the pessimist in me thinks there aren't any people left. Where all have you met like-minded people here? What are the activities, areas, etc.?

[mm97]

Originally Posted by mm4

During a job application process I was once asked by a Dallas company (with only a few metro area outlets) what religion I was. Even though I'm religious I'd wanted to say hey you're not allowed to ask that.

But workplaces are never pretty; some moreso than others, as long as people staff companies. Have you considered maintaining stronger personal boundaries with your coworkers?

I'm fine with the people at work, as religious and politics never come up. I rarely see the Director. And wow, I've never even been asked that in a job interview. Did you end up getting the job?

[mm4]

Originally Posted by mm97

I'm fine with the people at work, as religious and politics never come up. I rarely see the Director. And wow, I've never even been asked that in a job interview. Did you end up getting the job?

No.

[mesmer]

Originally Posted by mm97

I've been on all of the the sites, and agree with you. I keep running into the same people though, and they obviously weren't guys I chose, or we'd be together. Where can I meet like-minded men offline here?

I say this with all love and respect - if you've dated hundreds, and not found the person for you, the problem is not them. I've seen this quite a bit in my own life - some people readjust their expectations and find love, others still struggle.

But to answer your actual question, I googled "secular humanism dallas" and found a few promising results. You could also check out scifi conventions if those align with your interests. There's also the texas young democrats if you're under 40, and there is a chapter in dallas county.

[mm4]

Originally Posted by mm97

That's how I look at it also; screening out the incompatible ones. But I've aliented many, and the pessimist in me thinks there aren't any people left. Where all have you met like-minded people here? What are the activities, areas, etc.?

You're not going to find perfectly like-minded people. Part of the fun of having professed-atheist friends is conversationally and logically sparring with them when that subject asserts itself.

As far as OkCupid or Match: 2 Corinthians 6:14

[octo]

Originally Posted by mm97

That's how I look at it also; screening out the incompatible ones. But I've aliented many, and the pessimist in me thinks there aren't any people left. Where all have you met like-minded people here? What are the activities, areas, etc.?

For me, it starts with chit-chat, followed by a pool party invitation where you meet more people, you exchange mutual invitation to lunch or dinner, get invited to more parties etc. Add a sprinkle of social networking and the sky is the limit.

[cordata]

To the OP, there are lots of things you can say if people bring up religion:

"I'm not a big fan of organized religion, for me it's very private."

"I was brought up <fill in the blank> but in the last few years I'd say I'm tending towards agnostic."
'Agnostic' is less threatening to people that 'atheist' because if you're 'agnostic' you're not denying anyone else's belief, if you're 'atheist' religious people may find this more threatening.

"At the moment the church I'm most comfortable with is <Quaker, Unitarian, Unity>" ... not that you've ever been to that church but it would certainly be more comfortable than many other options.

As far as where to live, Oak Cliff or East Dallas.

[Llory]

I've only lived in the DFW area for about 18 months, I'm of a similar mindset as the OP (except I don't put politics and religion anywhere near the top of my priority list to strike a conversation or friendship, in fact I pretty well ignore and avoid both topics for the most part) and honestly I have never once been asked about church attendance or political views. Not sure how these topics always come up for her.

I would probably focus on common interests, things to do, etc and let the friendship grow organically rather than trying to force it.

[bigdaddycool1111]

Just like every big city, Dallas has all kinds of people and I wouldn't see why anyone would have trouble fitting in although I can relate to some of what you said. Even Christians sometimes feel singled out if they don't fit certain stereotypes. Once I was asked "are you sure you are a Christian?" after telling someone I wouldn't vote for the Republican party in the next elections. This kind of stuff happens everywhere though, it's not specific to Dallas.