It's possible to make an atheist and theist relationship work.
An atheist and theist couple have the same needs as anyone in a relationship: mutual respect, honest communication, and willingness to work through problems.You may have trouble with the wide gap between you if faith is a core part of your identity.A successful relationship does not mean total agreement.You can meet without abandoning your beliefs if you build a bridge of understanding across that gap.
Step 1: Communication should be open.
Don't let the difference in perspective ruin your relationship.It's unlikely to disappear if you don't address it openly.Something you say will upset your partner.To understand why it was upsetting, you need to talk to each other.A shouting match is a sign that something has gone unsaid for too long.When you're both relaxed, pick the right time to have these conversations.
Step 2: You should listen before you make a decision.
Most people don't know what people of certain faiths are like.Don't assume that your understanding of your partner's perspective is correct.Let your partner explain their point before you respond.
Step 3: You should respect your partner's wishes.
The success of your relationship is dependent on respect.The other should not be pressured to convert or leave the faith.If your partner is interested in listening, discuss the topic.If this is a dealbreaker, be honest.If you cannot see yourself marrying someone who doesn't share your faith, a serious romantic partner deserves to know that.
Step 4: You shouldn't be trying to prove yourself right.
You can win an argument, but not a relationship.What matters is that you are willing to love someone despite your differences.You don't have to agree with your partner's beliefs, but you do need an open mind to recognize the value of a different perspective.The relationship is not healthy if you think the other person is stupid for disagreeing with you.
Step 5: There is a solution to daily life.
When it comes to specific religious practices, such as attending services or setting up a place of worship in the house, respect the other person's decision and find a compromise through respectful conversation.Student couples may find it easy to keep clear boundaries around religious practices, for example spending a weekly holy day apart from each other.The religious person should be allowed to worship at home if you live together.It is important that religious practices do not take up all the living space.
Step 6: Be respectful.
Don't just avoid it.Show that you respect your partner's lifestyle by accommodating him or her.If your partner has religious restrictions, invite him to eat out.Prepare your family with a few "do's and don'ts" about what to say if your partner is attending a religious holiday.
Step 7: You should keep the discussions going.
Many families and communities talk about religion.It's best to talk about faith with each other rather than talking to a group of people.This doesn't apply to professional counseling.
Step 8: Take care of the community.
Most deeply religious people have a circle of friends who are also religious.You can't ignore the existence of these friends, they should not determine the path of your relationship.If these friends act offensive, the two of you should talk about how to change their behavior, or how much time the atheist has to spend with that group.This can happen in the other direction as well, as a smaller proportion of atheists are part of a community focused on atheism.
Step 9: A quiet afternoon is what you should set aside.
Two people will be able to share their needs and perspectives with each other during this exercise.In a tranquil setting, you'll need a few hours together.It's a good idea to switch off the cell phones.If you want to try this exercise, you don't have to be a theist.This can help bridge the gap of understanding between two people, no matter what the reason is.This is a serious exercise and can be very freeing if you both approach it willingly.It can help to approach it with a sense of anticipation and fun.You may learn a lot about each other.
Step 10: Prepare a writing activity.
Talking to your partner, suggest that you start writing together.Each of you will write down your needs in separate notebooks.Each of you writes down six headings, each at the top of a new page: Certainty Variety Love and Connection Significance Growth Contribution.
Step 11: Your needs are ranked by importance.
Each need a different rank, from the most important to the least important.You don't have to tell your partner if you write these numbers on your paper.Once you've given the subject some thought, you can wait until after the next step.
Step 12: Take a moment to write down what each need means to you.
Write down what each need means to you and how your partner can fulfill it.It's about security, stability, and predictability in your life.Whether in other countries or daily life, it covers new experiences and adventures.In order to feel loved by your partner, what do you need to hear?What do you want to see them do?In a way that would satisfy this need, how can your partner show their love for you?Refers to your perception of yourself as significant to others.You may want to feel valued for your skills, appearance, background, ability, history, and character.Improving a skill, learning new skills, or furthering your education are all possibilities.It's about your positive impact on the lives of others, whether that means your family, community, or the world.
Step 13: Take a break
Take a break after you've spent a lot of time writing.Go for a walk, have a cup of coffee, or just get up and stretch.
Step 14: It's a good idea to swap notes with your partner.
If you read what they have written, you'll get a better idea of what makes them happy.Before you move on to the next step, take some time to absorb this in your own head.
Step 15: Listen to your feedback.
Tell your partner what you thought of the exercise, and describe your reactions to his notes.For ten minutes, set a timer.Set the timer again and allow your partner to speak when the time is up.You can alternate back and forth as you please.Each ten minute interval has one person speaking.Don't interrupt each other.
Step 16: Think about what you've learned.
Hopefully, you have a better idea of your needs as a couple.What extent are these needs dependent on a shared spiritual or religious background?It is possible that the two of you can't satisfy the majority of each other's needs.You may need to discuss possible paths forward in order to change this.Even if you don't share the same faith, your partner will still be interested in understanding and meeting your needs.