as much as possible, being that I was raised in a religious household. (Trust me - this makes sense.) However, something happened on the train home from work last week, and it's been bothering me ever since.
While relaxing with my music + enjoying the (outside) scenery, I noticed the middle-aged man in the seat across from me smiling + making eye contact. Trying to be polite (when will I learn not always to do this?), I smiled back.
He began small talk, so I ever-more-politely removed one of my earbuds as he smilingly explained his interruption as a love of meeting people. "I have met SO many interesting people on this train over the last few months." (Warning sign #1.)
What was I listening to? (Good thing he couldn't hear it, he said.) Where was I from? Did I have any children? Aren't they incredible (even when you have to yell at them)? Did I not want more than 1 someday? (Not with you, buddy.)
More red flags: his only true hope for his young (and already charitable) children was that they go to heaven. His oldest sister is a "problem" in his (super-large, 7-child) family because she's a free spirit who doesn't believe what they do. Not to mention his constant smiling/staring at me.
Initially, it was interesting to actually interact with a stranger. However, my annoyance/amusement changed to embarrassment/anger when he handed me his Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn business card (he is the Executive Director of their Futures in Education Foundation). I instantly realized he was trying to evangelize. He didn't stop when I told him my father is a priest. (This usually works.)
He pressed my arm gently but firmly and told me how important it is to have God in one's marriage. "It's hard enough to be married, but I just can't imagine being married without God."
Right-o.
Just as I was about to bolt, his station stop arrived. As he departed, he told me how much he had enjoyed meeting me and that I had a very warm gaze.
Oh, gross.
SO. While I no longer attend a church and generally think there are too many crazies masquerading as devotees of [insert organized religion of your choice], I do believe it's important to think, search, observe, and learn for yourself. If that leads you to [insert religion here], great!
However, don't try to convince me that I need to think the same way. I am not you. I am on my own path (as awesome as yours might sound to you). I don't yet know the truth of the universe, and guess what? You don't either!
Oh, and touching + personal comments under the guise of spiritual guidance is not exempt from being totally inappropriate.
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