The story of my life my friend. I was raised in a christian home and was never allowed to question any teaching that I was taught. My dad was abusive and I was beaten for daring to question his theology. He has the christian ego the size of texas. He literally believes he is PERFECT. Now in my adult years, I've lost most of my friends because I refuse to conform to christianity. My husband comes from a mormon family and he hates it. Family gatherings are always awkward. I'm sick of having to respect their beliefs without them ever having to extend me the same courtesy.

My family is pretty white bread and yet each and every one of us would likely be a black sheep in someone else's family. We all have our unique weirdness so I guess that lets each of us be pretty forgiving of everyone else.

No one in my sister's family has spoken to me directly about anything which I might have said or done that upset them. They will talk about me behind my back, never to my face to "clear the air". It seems they prefer to gossip about me whether than addressing me directly. I've been told, "Luv you" by my sister who recently didn't speak to me nor return my call for over two months due to a tiff (she wanted to take over my decisions such as from whom I would accept help due to my current health condition, and she would call so frequently as to make a pest of herself asking for example, "Did you have an appointment today?" ). I still have a very well functioning brain which includes autonomous thoughts as well as feelings. Recently, one of my sister's grandchildren declared he is Atheist. Someone to talk to.

I have been booted out of my family altogether. When I disclosed my father's, grandmother's and grandfather's sexual abuse to my father and asked him to go to therapy with me, my entire extended family turned its back on me. Black sheep? Invisible sheep. I am okay with it. I am still negotiating the holidays... those crazy days that have far more emotional power than they should.

Yeah, but I'm more like the psychedelic sheep of the family . . .

Things change and evolve. My middle brother used to be the black sheep. Now he has become ultra conservative, religious, and even voted for Trump (the Trump vote is still a black sheep thing). I have now become the black sheep. I like it that way.

Nah, we're all just reg'lar sheep.

Yes, I am.

My father was at least fourth generation deacon in a Southern Baptist church. My mother was the state president of the Women's Missionary Union. They were both also very active with The Gideons. My brother was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister.

What makes you think I might relate to this?

Yep, looks a lot like me. I can relate.

Probably a good portion of us agnostics feel this way. I don't really care though.

My siblings are overweight, out-of-shape and heavy drinkers. I am the odd one out.

It's boring to be the only sober person is a group of drunks.

[i.gifer.com]