The other day I had a coworker tell me that once she gets to know me better she wants to tell me how her higher power changed her life. How do I respond?
I really like this coworker. We’ve really connected recently and although we’ve never spent time together outside of work, I think we could become good friends.
But we’re definitely an unlikely pair.
She’s Christian and everybody knows it. She’s proud of her faith and is pretty vocal about it – even on the clock.
I don’t think she knows I’m an atheist. I told her I don’t go to church and that’s as far as I got.
So if this conversation about her “higher power” takes place, can I tell her why I’m an atheist? It seems only fair but I’m extremely skeptical. I feel like a conversation like this could either leave me feeling liberated or feeling ostracized.
Deep down, I really want someone I can be open with.
I really think this coworker is an awesome person which has made it easier for me to overlook our differences. She’s very resilient and her heart is in the right place.
Have you ever been in this situation? Would you welcome a conversation like this or avoid it? How should I respond? Please keep in mind that I live in a red state in the Midwest and I have to work with this coworker every week.