I chose to be alone because of religion

As a semi-practicing Hindu, it was difficult for me to stop socializing religiously (if tha't actually a thing, ha ha) and move on in social situations. Of course, I won't deny that it helped that most of my family and friends and maybe society in general aren't too religious anyway. Hinduism does have the flexibility of practice. I'd assume Islam may have the same, right? I've had Muslim classmates back in school and college who were pretty religious, the kind who did Namaz 5 times a day. They got permission from the principal to go out of class during the late morning, afternoon and evening namaz timings and got extended lunch breaks on Friday to go to the Mosque for special prayers. But at the same time, I had muslim friends and classmates who didn't do any of that, Friday prayers included. Maybe their parents valued education over prayers, thinking that the praying they do at home is sufficient? Or not, I never really discussed religion with them back in school/college, so most of this is just me speculating.

That said, how religiously flexible is your family? My family was pretty orthodox to start with. My parents are pretty religious, but they don't rub most of it on my sister and me. We're free to practice and pray as we wish. That's one reason I call myself a semi-practicing Hindu. I rarely go to temples and pray occasionally at home. I do participate in certain rituals on holy days/festivals at home and attend religious social gatherings, but no-one in my family and extended relatives blink an eye if we (the younger generation) don't show up to these stuff. Most of the people there are the older generation (aged 50 and up) anyway. Hard work is valued in India and if you skip these stuff because you're at work or studying, that's like totally ok and appreciated ha ha.

I understand we might be different culturally, but hey, I'm here if you wanna continue chatting about this to figure something out. I was super religious at one time, thinking religion was the answer to my confusion about gender and sexuality. Once I realized god wouldn't be able to help me, I stopped being uber-religious, though I haven't given up on religion entirely.

 

When you live in a place where most people are religious and follow the traditions, it can be very isolating not to be one of them. I would suggest moving to a more diverse area, if you can. I try to imagine myself still living with my family (I grew up in a conservative Christian family) and not being involved in church, and that would have been a very lonely life to live. Take care.

 

In one way I see the situation, it's actually good if none of you talk about whether or not you're religious or not. Belief systems aside, I mean. I mean that should keep the pressure off you, shouldn't it? You can define the "amount" of religion you want in your life, can you not? Have I understand correctly, so far?

 

where you planning on moving to?